Delhi High Court initiates contempt proceedings against Tihar Jail Superintendent

The Delhi High Court has initiated contempt proceedings against the Superintendent of Tihar Jail, Dr Pawan Kumar, for defying a court order to release an undertrial prisoner on parole. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav observed that the jail authority’s actions made a “mockery” of the legal system and violated the petitioner’s fundamental rights to personal liberty and the rule of law.

The case involves Anwar Hussain, who had been an undertrial prisoner for five years and five months. Hussain sought parole to pursue legal remedies before the Supreme Court following the dismissal of his criminal appeal. Although the High Court had issued orders on July 30 and August 11 directing his release subject to specific conditions, the jail authority failed to implement the orders, effectively keeping him in custody.

Dr Pawan Kumar has been directed to file a response explaining why he should not be punished under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, and must be personally present at the next hearing scheduled for September 22.