Tamil Nadu HC issues notice to Chief Secy on contempt petition

The Madras High Court today issued notice to the state Chief Secretary on a contempt petition by a former special government pleader for non-payment of fees from 2006-11, even after it had ordered settlement of the bills within two months last year.
R Janakiramalu submitted that the court had directed the Chief Secretary to settle the professional fees, pending sanction and payment, within two months on July 30 last year.
The Madurai bench of the High Court had then directed the government to pay 12 per cent interest to the petitioner if the bills were not settled.
Janakiramalu said he joined as special government pleader on June 11, 2006 and worked till May 16, 2011. He had also assisted the Advocate General and Additional Advocate General in many cases.

As the fees had not been settled despite the court order, the advocate said, he sought punishment of the erring government officials for wilful disobedience as it amounted to contempt of court.
Justice N Kirubakaran ordered notice and posted the case for hearing on July 15.