Apex Court Directs Rs. 50 Lakh Deposit in Ongoing Contempt Proceedings.


24 September 2025
The Supreme Court warned alleged contemnors in a protracted matrimonial settlement case that further non-compliance will be viewed seriously, even as it instructed them to deposit a hefty interim figure and make new undertakings.

A Bench of Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Vijay Bishnoi heard contempt petitions on September 24, 2025, filed by Venkatadasarigari Ramanjaneya Reddy, following failure to comply with a settlement order of February 21, 2024. The settlement order, which had been made a part of the Court's order of March 13, 2024, was flouted again and again despite assurances being given several times.


 

 

The Court observed that the contemnors had been put on notice but kept stalling with compliance. Even escape attempts were allegedly made with a desire to exit India, which led to inhibitory orders in May 2025. Subsequently, they claimed there were issues with bank liabilities, although indicators indicated they kept making business purchases despite non-payment of dues and those being classified as non-performing assets (NPA).

On the said date of the current hearing, the Supreme Court ordered both contemnors to submit an undertaking to the Telangana High Court Registrar (Judicial) by end of day committing to settle the dues of the petitioner along with interest. Furthermore, they need to deposit a demand draft of Rs. 50 lakh to the Registry of the Supreme Court, which would be forwarded to the account of the petitioner within three days.

The Court also directed the contemnors to submit an affidavit on how they plan to settle the unpaid bank charges. Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, the Bench threatened that non-compliance could bar any future opportunities for relief, and directed the contemnors to personally appear on the next date of hearing, October 15, 2025.

The issue still rests upon enforcement of the initial settlement, with the Court weighing between equity to the petitioner and oversight of the contemnors' obedience with both private obligations and bank liabilities.