Kerala High Court Pulls Up LSGD Secretary Over Delay in Re-instating Disabled Librarian Despite HC Order

The Kerala High Court has admonished the Special Secretary of the Local Self Government Department (LSGD) in a contempt proceeding, for failing to comply with its interim direction to reinstate a disabled person, Bindu N.A., as part-time librarian at Kaipamangalam Grama Panchayat. The court noted that the respondent was relying on awaiting a Cabinet decision to effect reinstatement, even after the Court’s judgment dated 12 June 2025 clearly stating the reinstatement must follow. On 19 August, the Court observed that the Secretary was again postponing action because of Cabinet approval, despite the HC’s direction. The Secretary appeared by video, claimed prior rejections from Law and Finance departments, and that a policy decision was needed, but the Court rejected the notion that post-judgment, further administrative approvals could take precedence over a High Court order. The Court stressed that the Cabinet cannot review or appeal a binding High Court judgment, and scheduled further proceedings accordingly