In Brief
The Supreme Court addressed a contempt situation where a Desk Officer of the Department of Telecommunications attempted to circumvent a Court order by directing the Accountant General not to enforce payment or take coercive steps. The Court held that such conduct by a subordinate government official was impermissible and initiated contempt proceedings. The Managing Directors/Directors of companies were also directed to show cause for non-compliance with deposit orders. The judgment affirms that no government officer can override or dilute Supreme Court orders, and violations constitute contempt attracting personal accountability of the responsible officers.
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