HC asks Home Affairs secy to be in court if order not complied

Madras High Court today directed the Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs (Freedom Fighters Division), to appear before it in person by November 15 if its order on granting freedom fighter pension to a person was not complied by that date.
Justice N Paul Vasanthakumar gave this direction when a contempt petition filed by a 95-year-old freedom fighter M Rajagopal in Thiruvarur District came up for hearing today
Rajagopal contended that the High Court had on Oct 1, 2012 had directed the union home secretary to sanction him pension, based on the recommendations of the state Government on Oct 20, 1973. Though more than a year had passed since the judgement, the order had not been complied with.

To a question by the judge on whether any stay has been granted on the appeal filed, union government's counsel said no stay had been granted though an appeal was filed so the contempt petition was filed by the petitioner.
Though the counsel had informed the department on October 11 2013 that a contempt petition had been filed, there was no action from the government
The judge then gave the direction, saying the court would be forced to issue a warrant if they failed to comply with the order for personal appearance of the officials.