HC directs Tamil Nadu Health Dept to pay Rs 1.2L fine for failing to promote 122 health inspectors

According to a division bench comprising Justice D. Krishnakumar and Justice P. B. Balaji, issued on Wednesday, the total amount of Rs 1.22 lakh must be paid within two weeks.

The issue stems from a court order in 2011 that directed the department to promote the 122 petitioners to the position of health inspectors. Since the government failed to follow through on the order, the petitioners filed contempt of court petitions, seeking action against the authorities. On September 13, when the contempt pleas were heard, the bench specifically directed compliance with the order and the submission of a status report.

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During subsequent hearings, the petitioners informed the court that the order had not been complied with. They explained that the department had sought clarification from the Supreme Court, which was subsequently dismissed. Additionally, the review application they filed was also rejected by the Supreme Court. TOI reports that despite having ample opportunities to comply with the court's order, the authorities had not done so, the petitioners stated.

On the other hand, the state government revealed that, out of 132 eligible contempt petitioners, they had complied with the writ court's order for 10 of them. For the remaining 122 contempt petitioners, they requested eight more weeks to meet the order.

Acknowledging these submissions, the bench stated, "Considering the request made by the additional advocate-general, we are inclined to grant time. However, in view of the hardship and suffering endured by the petitioners, we have decided to impose a fine of Rs 1,000 to be paid by the department to each of the 122 contempt petitioners."