The Calcutta High Court's Circuit Bench at Port Blair has taken strict action against the Chief Secretary of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Administration, Mr. Keshav Chandra, and fined Admiral D.K. Joshi, the Lt. Governor, in a contempt case under its jurisdiction.

A division bench comprising of Justice Rajasekhar Mantha and Justice Bibhas Ranjan De found the conduct of the contemnors to be "flagrant and reprehensible," as they failed to comply with earlier Court orders regarding withdrawal of an "undertaking" to be signed by Daily-Rated Mazdoors (DRMs) and the removal of distinctions between DRMs engaged in sanctioned and non-sanctioned posts.

The contempt application had been filed by the Andaman Sarvajanik Nirman Vibagh Mazdoor Sangh, which accused the Andaman & Nicobar Administration of non-compliance with the Court's orders. The bench noted that the affidavit of compliance submitted by the alleged contemnors lacked substantial steps towards adhering to the Court's previous directives.

The Court specifically mentioned that the undertaking required by the administration from the DRMs as a precondition for payment release had not been withdrawn despite the claim of a conference held with the administration. Moreover, the affidavit did not address the illegal distinction drawn between different categories of DRMs.

In light of this "contumacious conduct," the Court took decisive action. Chief Secretary Keshav Chandra was suspended immediately, and the next senior-most officer in the administration was assigned to discharge the functions of the Chief Secretary.

The Court also imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on Admiral D.K. Joshi, the Lieutenant Governor, to be paid from his personal funds within seven days. Furthermore, the Lt. Governor was directed to appear virtually at the next hearing and show cause as to why he should not be committed to prison for contempt of Court.

The case has been scheduled for further hearing on the 17th of August.