The division bench at Punjab and Haryana High Court, consisting of Justices Sureshwar Thakur and Sudeepti Sharma, was compelled to issue the notice following the Presiding Officer’s claim that CCTV footage for a specific day’s proceedings was unavailable due to the absence of cameras in the tribunal
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a contempt notice to the Presiding Officer of Debt Recovery Tribunal-II, Chandigarh (DRT-II), over discrepancies regarding the availability of CCTV footage of tribunal proceedings. This action highlights the court’s stringent stance on ensuring the integrity of judicial processes and the importance of accurate communication within the legal system.
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The division bench, consisting of Justices Sureshwar Thakur and Sudeepti Sharma, was compelled to issue the notice following the Presiding Officer’s claim that CCTV footage for a specific day’s proceedings was unavailable due to the absence of cameras in the tribunal. Contrary to this assertion, it was established that CCTV cameras were indeed installed, leading the court to question the veracity of the officer’s statement and the operational integrity of the tribunal’s recording system.
“It is clear, that hybrid system with video and audio picture, is in place at the DRT concerned. Nonetheless, it is also clear from readings of the above said paragraph, that the working thereof is erratic, and the said, is a result of the Presiding Officer concerned, at his own whims rather the switching on and off the said system,”
the bench remarked, expressing concern over the potential manipulation of the recording system for ulterior motives.
The Background of the Dispute
The issue came to light in a writ petition filed by IDFC First Bank, which sought directions to set aside an order by the Presiding Officer that allegedly contravened the High Court’s directives. The court’s request for CCTV footage of the relevant proceedings was met with the contested claim of non-availability, prompting further scrutiny and the subsequent contempt notice.
The court’s observations pointed to a deliberate attempt to undermine the transparency of the justice dispensation system, prompting it to initiate contempt proceedings against the Presiding Officer.
“The speaking (supra) thus loudly speak about the Presiding Officer, DRT-2, Chandigarh, thus to rob the well purpose qua the transparency of the justice dispensation system, and that too prima facie for ulterior motives, is undertaking the ill exercise of making the hybrid system with video and audio picture, to be rather dysfunctional,”
the bench added.
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In addition to issuing the contempt notice, the court directed the National Informatics Centre (NIC) to preserve the recordings related to the case and warned of further contempt action for non-compliance. The Registrar General of the High Court was tasked with ensuring the order’s communication to the NIC, emphasizing the seriousness with which the court views the preservation of judicial integrity.
The Role of the DRT Bar Association
Recognizing the importance of collaborative efforts in maintaining judicial standards, the court also ordered the President of the DRT Bar Association, Chandigarh, to assist in the contempt proceedings. This inclusion underscores the collective responsibility of the legal community in upholding the principles of justice and transparency.
Conclusion
As the matter is set for further consideration on February 28, the legal community and observers await the outcome with keen interest. This case not only highlights the challenges faced in ensuring the effective functioning of judicial bodies but also reflects the judiciary’s proactive measures to address potential breaches of trust and protocol. The Punjab and Haryana High Court’s decisive action serves as a reminder of the judiciary’s unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability in the legal system.
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CASE DETAIL:
IDFC First Bank Limited v. District Magistrate Chandigarh And Others
