In Brief

The Supreme Court examined multiple contempt petitions filed by landowners against state authorities for allegedly wilfully disobeying orders dated 21.11.2014 and 17.05.2022 directing issuance of Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) certificates for land acquired for road widening in Bengaluru. The Court held that wilful disobedience requires conscious, deliberate, intentional conduct with knowledge of consequences. Finding deliberate delay spanning over a decade, rejected modification applications, improper valuation contrary to TDR Rules, and suppression of facts, the Court concluded the authorities had wilfully disobeyed. The Court allowed the contempt petitions, directed issuance of TDR within six weeks using guidance values under Karnataka Stamp Act, and imposed costs of ₹1 lakh per complainant.

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