In Brief
The Supreme Court addressed a contempt petition where respondents alleged non-compliance with earlier court orders regarding appointment of Basic Health Workers. The High Court had found prima facie contempt and directed senior officials to appear before it. The Court held that before compelling personal appearance in contempt proceedings, officials must first be given a fair opportunity to submit written explanations. Only if explanations are found inadequate should compulsory appearance be insisted. The appeal was partly allowed with directions to reconsider the procedural approach.
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