‘Non-payment of dues’: SC stays contempt proceedings against Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank

In May 2019, the High Court had directed the state’s former chief ministers, who occupied government accommodation, to pay rent for the period they occupied such premises after leaving office.

Union HRD minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’. (File Photo)

The Supreme Court Monday stayed contempt proceedings initiated by the Uttarakhand High Court against Union minister Ramesh Pokhriyal for alleged non-compliance of its order asking the state’s former chief ministers to pay rent at market rates and other dues related to government facilities occupied by them after demitting office.

A bench headed by Justice R F Nariman stayed the proceedings on a plea by the Union Education Minister.

In May 2019, the High Court had directed the state’s former chief ministers, who occupied government accommodation, to pay rent for the period they occupied such premises after leaving office. It also asked the state to compute the dues related to electricity, water, petrol, oil and lubricants provided to the former Chief Ministers within four months on receipt of the order. It asked the former CMs to pay the amount within six months of being informed of the estimated dues.

The HC struck down all government orders from 2001 providing housing and other facilities to the former CMs as illegal and unconstitutional.

The HC order came on a plea by Dehradun-based NGO Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra.

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