High Court of Andhra Pradesh Sentences Officials to Jail for Contemptuous Disobedience of Court Orders – ‘Equal Pay for Equal Work’ Principle Upheld
In a significant ruling, the High Court of Andhra Pradesh delivered its verdict on Contempt Case No.2040 of 2023, punishing respondents for their willful disobedience of court orders. The judgement, delivered by HON’BLE DR. JUSTICE K. MANMADHA RAO, sentenced the officials to jail and imposed fines for their failure to implement court orders dated 06.09.2022 and 22.12.2022.
The case pertained to the principle of ‘equal pay for equal work,’ which the court emphasized to be applicable to all employees, whether engaged on regular or temporary basis. The court opined that employees performing the same duties and responsibilities cannot be paid less based on their employment status.
The court noted in its judgement: “It is fallacious to determine artificial parameters to deny fruits of labour. An employee engaged for the same work cannot be paid less than another who performs the same duties and responsibilities.”
Despite granting several adjournments, the respondents, represented by Sri V.R. Reddy Kovvuri and Sri Anup Koushik Karavadi, failed to comply with the court’s orders, leading to the court’s decision to hold them guilty of contempt of court.
The verdict found respondents No.2 and 3 guilty of contempt and sentenced them to one month of simple imprisonment. Additionally, a fine of Rs. 1,000 each was imposed on them. In default of payment of the fine, they will undergo one week of simple imprisonment. The court directed the respondents to surrender before the Registrar (Judicial) on or before 27.07.2023.
The judgement emphasized the importance of promptly complying with court orders, and the court highlighted that difficulties, if any, in implementing the orders should be brought before the court seeking an extension.
This ruling by the High Court of Andhra Pradesh reinforces the significance of adhering to court orders and upholds the principle of ‘equal pay for equal work’ as a fundamental right for all employees.
Date of Decision: 21 July 2023
Unknown vs Mr. Pradeep Yadav
