Kerala HC Initiates Contempt Against CPI(M) Secretary for Defying Orders

The Kerala High Court has recently taken suo moto proceeding against CV Varghese, the Idukki District Secretary of CPI (M), for continuing in the construction of party offices despite orders from the court to cease construction.

A division bench comprising Justice A Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Sophy Thomas has initiated contempt of court proceedings and has also prohibited the utilization of the party offices until further directives are given.

The court’s decision was prompted by a petition concerning encroachments and unlawful constructions in various parts of Idukki, including Munnar. The amicus curiae in the case apprised the bench on August 22 about the ongoing construction of CPI(M) offices in Udumbanchola and Iddukki.

This construction was reported to be in violation of orders from the Revenue Authority.

The bench promptly ordered a halt to the construction activities. However, it came to light the following day that the construction of the party offices had continued during the night of August 22, as the District Collector had not received a copy of the court’s order.

On a subsequent day, the bench highlighted that the CPI(M) District Secretary for Idukki had been included as an additional respondent several weeks ago, yet the court’s order was disregarded.

Consequently, the bench initiated contempt of court proceedings against him. The next hearing in this matter is scheduled after the court’s upcoming Onam vacation.