Supreme Court Issues Contempt Notice to DoPT Secretary Over ITAT Appointment Delay
Repeated Government Delays Criticized
Court Orders Compliance with Selection Process
By Legal Reporter
New Delhi: March 17, 2026:
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On March 16, 2026, the Supreme Court of India took strong action against bureaucratic delays by issuing a contempt notice to Rachna Shah, IAS, Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). The notice was issued in response to a petition filed by Captain Pramod Kumar Bajaj, an IRS officer, whose appointment to the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has been stalled for years despite repeated court directions.
Background of the Case
- Selection Process: Bajaj secured All India Rank 1 in the 2014 selection process conducted by a Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC) chaired by a sitting Supreme Court judge.
- Government Delays: Despite his merit, the government repeatedly blocked his appointment, citing “cooked-up charges.”
- Court Orders: On January 30, 2026, the Supreme Court directed the DoPT to convene a fresh SCSC meeting within four weeks and communicate the outcome within two weeks thereafter.
- Non-Compliance: The DoPT failed to comply, prompting Bajaj to file a contempt petition.
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Supreme Court’s Observations
- The bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta noted that the government had deliberately created hurdles at every stage.
- The Court imposed ₹5 lakh costs on the Union Government earlier for non-compliance.
- In the contempt proceedings, the Court issued notice to the DoPT Secretary, returnable on April 14, 2026.
Implications of the Ruling
- For Bureaucracy: Reinforces accountability of senior officials in complying with judicial orders.
- For Judiciary: Demonstrates the Court’s willingness to use contempt powers to enforce compliance.
- For IRS Officers: Highlights systemic delays in appointments despite merit and judicial backing.
- For Governance: Raises questions about transparency and fairness in selection processes for quasi-judicial bodies like ITAT.
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Conclusion
This case underscores the tension between judiciary and executive in India’s appointment processes. By issuing a contempt notice, the Supreme Court has sent a strong message that deliberate delays and disregard for judicial orders will not be tolerated. The outcome of the April 14 hearing will be crucial in determining whether the government finally complies with the Court’s directive.
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