Authority: Supreme Court of India
Order Date: 30 September 2026
Case Overview
- Petition: Contempt Petition (Civil) No. 336 of 2026 filed by Md. Tarique against T.V. Somanathan, Secretary, Ministry of Finance, and respondents Nos.2‑7.
- Earlier Order (31.08.2026): Court directed issuance of notice to respondents, noted that contempt is quasi‑criminal, and stayed the suspension order dated 06.06.2026, directing respondents to file counter‑affidavit. The petitioner's reinstatement on 06.06.2026 was highlighted as contrary to the suspension.
- Interim Order (08.05.2026, SLP No.15202/2026): Court ordered that, pending outcome of the Special Leave Petitions, the Bank (Central Bank of India) shall reinstate respondent No.1 and that the respondent would not be entitled to any equity while the case is decided on merits.
- On 06.06.2026, respondent No.5 (Mr. Vibhor Agarwal) issued a suspension order against the petitioner on the same day the petitioner was reinstated, which the Court deemed prima facie contumacious.
- Withdrawal: Respondent No.5 withdrew the suspension order by an order dated 18.09.2026, and a reply affidavit was filed.
- Counsel Submissions: Senior counsel for respondents confirmed withdrawal; senior counsel for petitioner affirmed that the petitioner had re‑joined service after withdrawal.
- Related SLPs: Special Leave Petition (Civil) No.15202/2026 and IA No.146979/2026 (Clarification/Direction) along with SLP(C) No.5092/2026 were listed for hearing on 18.11.2026.
Final Outcome
- The Court, noting that the suspension order dated 06.06.2026 had been withdrawn, ordered the closure of the contempt proceedings.
- The Contempt Petition No.336/2026, together with all pending applications, stands disposed of.
- The petitioner, Md. Tarique, continues in service following reinstatement.
Topics: Contempt Proceedings, Banking Regulation, Supreme Court Orders