The Delhi High Court ruled that Hockey India and its Secretary General, Bhola Nath Singh, were in contempt of court for failing to provide virtual meeting links to an elected office-bearer as directed. The court found the non-supply of links to the petitioner on two occasions to be a deliberate violation of its order. The case involved a contempt plea alleging that Hockey India did not comply with the directive to provide meeting links to the elected Vice President.
The court rejected Hockey India’s defense and emphasized that subsequent developments could not excuse the non-compliance with the court order. Justice Kaurav stated that the directions were clear and parties could not interpret or overrule court orders. The court criticized the respondents for attempting to circumvent the judicial directions and highlighted a possible concerted effort to disobey the court’s orders.
Regarding an apology tendered by Bhola Nath Singh, the court deemed it insufficient and refused to accept it. The court emphasized that the respondents’ conduct undermined the rule of law and the court’s authority. Consequently, the court found Hockey India and Bhola Nath Singh guilty of contempt of court, with further proceedings scheduled for May 4 to determine the sentence.
