Vijeta Projects And Infrastructure LTD. Through One Of Its Director, Sri Ravindra Bharti vs. The State Of Jharkhand

Facts

This case involves a Contempt of Court (Civil) proceeding initiated by Vijeta Projects and Infrastructure Ltd. (the petitioner) against the State of Jharkhand and officials of the Jharkhand State Building Construction Corporation Ltd. (the opposite parties). The petitioner had previously obtained an order from the High Court on February 26, 2026, in W.P. (C) No. 1867 of 2025, directing payment of certain amounts. The current proceedings were initiated due to alleged non-compliance with this order. The opposite parties, through an affidavit filed by the Managing Director of the Jharkhand State Building Construction Corporation Ltd., stated that an amount of Rs. 9,29,90,435/- had been credited to the petitioner after statutory deductions. They also tendered an unconditional apology for the delay in compliance and assured that any future representations regarding GST and labour cost refunds would be disposed of as per law within the prescribed time limits.

Held

The Court accepted the unconditional apology tendered by the Managing Director of the Jharkhand State Building Construction Corporation Ltd. for the delay in complying with the order dated February 26, 2026. The Court was informed, on instructions, that the directions for payment as issued in the previous order have now been complied with. An affidavit was placed on record stating that an amount of Rs. 9,29,90,435/- has been credited to the petitioner's account after necessary statutory deductions. The Managing Director also assured that any future representations from the petitioner regarding the refund of GST and labour cost component would be disposed of in accordance with law within the time limit prescribed by the Court. Considering the compliance and the apology, the Court deemed it appropriate not to continue the contempt proceedings further. The notice was discharged, and the proceedings were closed.

Key Issues

1. Whether the directions issued by this Court in its order dated February 26, 2026, in W.P. (C) No. 1867 of 2025 have been complied with by the opposite parties, specifically concerning the payment of amounts due to the petitioner. 2. Whether the unconditional apology tendered by the Managing Director of the Jharkhand State Building Construction Corporation Ltd. for the delay in compliance is acceptable and sufficient to close the contempt proceedings. Petitioner's Arguments: The petitioner initiated contempt proceedings alleging non-compliance with the Court's previous order. The specific details of their arguments are not explicitly recorded in this judgment, but the initiation of contempt implies a contention that the opposite parties failed to adhere to the Court's directive. Opposite Parties' Arguments: The opposite parties, through their counsel, submitted that the directions issued in the order dated February 26, 2026, have now been complied with. They presented an affidavit stating that Rs. 9,29,90,435/- has been credited to the petitioner after statutory deductions. Furthermore, they tendered an unconditional apology for the delay in compliance and assured timely disposal of future representations concerning GST and labor cost refunds.