Ranchi, Jul 18 (PTI) The Jharkhand High Court on Friday observed that the government seems to be throttling the rule of law in the state, where constitutional machinery has collapsed.
Justice Anand Sen directed Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari to appear in person to face charges of contempt of court for non-compliance with its order pertaining to urban local body elections.
The court had on January 4, 2024, directed the government to ensure that municipal elections are conducted within three weeks.
The chief secretary was asked to appear in person on July 25 before the court of Justice Sen.
The court, in his order, observed that the government seems to be throttling the rule of law in Jharkhand and there is complete breakdown of constitutional machinery.
The court was hearing a contempt petition filed by former municipal ward councilor Roshni Khalko who submitted that despite orders passed by it, the long awaited municipal elections have not been conducted.
Khalko had filed a writ petition before the High Court in 2023 after the term of ward councillors expired.
The court had on January 4, 2024 ordered the government to conduct municipal elections within three weeks.
Khalko filed a contempt petition on January 16, 2024, pointing out non-compliance with the High Court order.
Then the high court ordered the government to conduct the elections in four months..
The last elections were conducted in April 2018 in the capital and the term of the councillors had lapsed in 2023. PTI CORR NAM NN
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