Lagatar24 Desk
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has summoned Ganderbal District Commissioner Shyambir Singh in connection with an alleged criminal contempt case. The court’s decision came after accusations that Singh threatened and harassed Ganderbal sub-judge Fayaz Ahmad Qureshi, abusing his official position.
A bench comprising Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Sanjeev Kumar directed Singh to appear in person to answer the criminal contempt charges. “Issue notice to the contemnor, Mr. Shyambir by Humdast. The contemnor shall appear in person before this court on Monday, August 5, at 11 a.m. sharp,” the bench ordered.
The high court has also appointed senior counsel Riyaz Ahmad Jan as amicus curiae to assist in the proceedings. The case against Singh, a 2018-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer serving as Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal since 2022, arose after allegations that he retaliated against sub-judge Qureshi. The sub-judge had previously ordered the attachment of Singh’s salary due to non-compliance with an October 2022 judgment.
According to Qureshi, Singh misused his position to intimidate and harass him, including unauthorized visits to his property by government officials. This was seen as an attempt to undermine judicial authority and retaliate against the court’s decision.
In initiating the criminal contempt proceedings last month, sub-judge Qureshi also recommended that the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary take administrative action against Shyambir Singh under the Government Conduct Rules, 1971. He described Singh as a “constant potential threat” to the judiciary.
The high court emphasized that any attempt by Singh to avoid service of summons or fail to appear would be taken seriously, and the court would resort to coercive measures to ensure his presence. The issue arose after Qureshi attached Singh’s salary for non-compliance with a decree for payment of compensation to an aggrieved party.
