Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 03 August 2023
In a significant development, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration witnessed a major upheaval today as the Hon’ble Calcutta High Court suspended Mr. Keshav Chandra, the Chief Secretary, and imposed a fine of ₹5 Lakhs on the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, payable from his personal funds. The order came as a result of a contempt application filed by the Andaman Sarvajanik Nirman Vibagh Mazdoor Sangh & Anr.
The Division Bench of the Calcutta High Court took this unprecedented action in response to the seriousness of the contempt charges levelled against the Chief Secretary and the Lt. Governor. The court specified that the next senior most officer would temporarily discharge the functions of the Chief Secretary.
The court proceedings took place on 3rd August 2023, during which the bench issued the order and set the next date of hearing. On the adjourned date, which falls on 17th August 2023, the Hon’ble Lt. Governor is required to appear virtually before the court, while the Chief Secretary must attend the proceedings in person. They have been asked to show cause as to why they should not be committed to prison for having committed contempt of court as already found against them.
The suspension of the Chief Secretary and the hefty fine imposed on the Lt. Governor have raised eyebrows across the region. This legal action has drawn significant attention to the case and its potential ramifications on the functioning of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration.