Contempt of Court Petition Filed by GMCH Professor Against Punjab Government

Background of the Case

In Patiala, a senior professor from the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has filed a contempt of court petition against the Punjab government. The petition challenges a retirement order issued by the state, which the professor argues violates a previous court ruling designed to protect his employment.

Details of the Petition

Dr. Sanjiv Pal Singh, who serves in the post-partum (family welfare) unit at GMCH Patiala, is contesting a retirement order set for December 31, 2025. This order was issued by the Principal Secretary of Medical Education and Research, Punjab. Dr. Singh claims that this action disregards a clear stay previously granted by the High Court.

Court Proceedings

The Punjab and Haryana High Court addressed the contempt petition on an urgent basis during its winter break. The matter was reviewed by Justice Amarjot Bhatti, who acknowledged the need for further consideration and issued notice of motion regarding the contempt petition.

Allegations of Wilful Disobedience

Represented by advocate Mohit Garg, Dr. Singh argued that the retirement order represents a willful disobedience of the High Court’s directions. He emphasized that the court had previously ordered the state to maintain the status quo concerning his service, explicitly staying his retirement until a final decision could be made regarding his writ petition.

State’s Response and Future Proceedings

Following Dr. Singh’s submissions, the High Court recognized the necessity for further examination of the case. The Additional Advocate General (AAG), representing the state, accepted the notice on behalf of the respondent and requested additional time to file a response. The court subsequently adjourned the matter until February 9, 2026.

History of Retirement Attempts

Dr. Singh informed the court that this is not the first instance of the department attempting to retire him at age 58. An earlier attempt in December 2021 had been stayed by the High Court, which had also issued a show-cause notice to the then Principal Secretary for allegedly interfering with judicial processes. The existing show-cause notice remains unresolved, and the new retirement order issued on December 31, 2025, constitutes a second violation of the ongoing court stay.

Next Steps

The court will review the matter again in February, when the state is expected to provide its formal response.