The Supreme Court on Friday ordered the demotion of an Andhra Pradesh Deputy Collector, Tata Mohan Rao, for willfully disobeying the directions of the Andhra Pradesh High Court and forcibly demolishing huts of slum dwellers in Guntur district while serving as a Tahsildar. The Court also imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh, to be deposited within four weeks.
A bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and A.G. Masih passed the order while hearing Special Leave Petitions (SLP (C) Nos. 10056–10057/2025) filed by the Deputy Collector challenging the High Court’s contempt conviction, which had sentenced him to two months’ simple imprisonment and a ₹2,000 fine for violating court orders protecting slum dwellers from eviction.
Background
The contempt arose from two High Court orders issued in 2013 directing the Tahsildar (then the petitioner) not to disturb the possession of individuals seeking regularization of their occupation of land in Guntur district until their representations were duly considered. The Court had expressly warned against forcible eviction or demolition of structures.
However, on December 6, 2013, and January 8, 2014, the petitioner led eviction drives, accompanied by approximately 88 police personnel, and demolished the huts in question, disregarding the High Court’s explicit directions. This prompted contempt petitions from the affected residents.
The High Court held that the petitioner had acted in “deliberate and utter disobedience” of its orders, sentencing him to two months in prison. The petitioner’s appeal to the Division Bench was dismissed, following which he approached the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court Proceedings
While the Supreme Court upheld the conviction, it showed leniency in sentencing. Acknowledging the severity of the misconduct, the Court nonetheless decided against imprisonment to prevent collateral harm to the petitioner’s family and children. The bench observed:
“Though the petitioner is not entitled to any lenient approach, we find that on account of an adamant and callous attitude, his children and family should not be made to suffer.”
The Court emphasized that failure to obey judicial orders by public officials erodes the rule of law:
“Every authority, however high, must comply with court directions. Disobedience strikes at the foundation of democracy.”
During the hearing, Senior Advocate Devashish Bharuka, representing the petitioner, pleaded for leniency, citing the petitioner’s children’s education and potential loss of livelihood. The Court, however, rebuked the petitioner’s conduct:
“If the petitioner expects a humanitarian approach, he ought not to have acted in such an inhumane manner.”
Earlier, the bench had offered the petitioner a chance to avoid jail time by accepting demotion, but he initially refused. His unwillingness to accept accountability drew strong remarks from the Court and nearly resulted in dismissal of the petition without relief.
Ultimately, the Court ordered:
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Demotion: The petitioner is to be reduced by one rank, from Deputy Collector to Tahsildar.
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Fine: A ₹1 lakh fine is to be paid within four weeks.
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Future Promotions: Can be considered only from the demoted post onwards.
The Court concluded by stating that a clear message must be sent that public servants are not above the law and must comply with judicial directives.
Case Title: Tata Mohan Rao v. S. Venkateswarlu & Others
SLP (C) Nos. 10056–10057/2025
