MP High Court fines lawyer ₹50,000 for suppressing facts to get relief

The Jabalpur bench pulled up the advocate for hiding a previous dismissal order while seeking interim relief from the Indore bench in a teacher recruitment case.

Taking a stern view of professional misconduct, the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday imposed a cost of ₹50,000 on an advocate for suppressing crucial facts to obtain a favorable order. The court observed that the counsel deliberately withheld information regarding a previously dismissed petition on the same subject matter to secure interim relief from a different bench.

Justice Vishal Dhagat, presiding over the matter, directed Advocate Dinesh Singh Chauhan to deposit the fine amount immediately with the Secretary of the High Court Legal Services Committee. The court’s intervention came during the hearing of a cluster of petitions related to the primary teacher recruitment process.

Strategic concealment of orders

The matter came to light when the court was hearing arguments via video conferencing. During the proceedings, counsels appearing in related petitions pointed out a significant discrepancy. It was revealed that while the Jabalpur bench had already dismissed a petition on this specific issue on April 6, Advocate Chauhan moved a similar plea before the Indore bench.

By allegedly failing to mention the Jabalpur dismissal, the counsel managed to obtain an interim stay from the Indore bench on April 27. The court noted that such "forum shopping" or suppression of prior rulings undermines the judicial process and wastes the court's time.

Arguments dismissed by bench

Responding to the court’s observation, Advocate Dinesh Singh Chauhan argued that he was not the arguing counsel in the specific petitions that were dismissed earlier. He contended that since he wasn't the 'parokar' (advocate on record) for those dismissed cases, he could not be held responsible for "hiding" facts that were not part of his direct knowledge.

However, the court was not convinced. Justice Dhagat remarked that Chauhan had been appearing in several linked petitions involving the same recruitment issue through video conferencing. The bench noted that it was virtually impossible for a counsel deeply involved in the litigation cluster to be unaware of a major ruling passed just weeks prior.

Irregularities in appearance

The court also highlighted procedural lapses, noting that the advocate had been appearing in the matter without formally filing a ‘Vakalatnama’ (power of attorney) in certain instances. This lack of formal documentation, combined with the failure to disclose the April 6 order, was viewed as an attempt to bypass standard judicial transparency.

"The conduct of the counsel in not disclosing the earlier order passed by this court is unacceptable," the bench noted, emphasizing that advocates, as officers of the court, have a primary duty toward the truth.

Impact on recruitment litigation

The primary teacher recruitment in Madhya Pradesh has seen a wave of litigation over the past year. Legal experts suggest that this latest crackdown by the Jabalpur bench serves as a warning to litigants and lawyers who attempt to get conflicting orders from different benches (Jabalpur, Indore, and Gwalior) by withholding case histories.

The fine of ₹50,000 is intended to act as a deterrent. The High Court has cleared that any attempt to mislead the registry or the bench by suppressing previous dismissals will be met with similar financial penalties and potential disciplinary action.

What lies ahead

The court has now consolidated the records to ensure that the primary teacher recruitment cases are heard on merit without further procedural manipulation. The Secretary of the Legal Services Committee is expected to submit a report once the fine is deposited. For the petitioner's side, the interim relief obtained from the Indore bench now stands under a cloud of scrutiny following these observations by the principal bench.

MP High Court Orders Contempt Case Against BJP MLA Sanjay Pathak

Division bench directs criminal contempt proceedings over alleged attempt to contact judge in ₹443 crore mining recovery matter linked to Pathak family firms

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ordered the registration of a suo motu criminal contempt petition against BJP MLA Sanjay Satyendra Pathak from Vijayraghavgarh in Katni district. The directive came after the court took cognisance of an alleged attempt by the legislator to contact a sitting judge regarding a pending case involving illegal mining and recovery of over ₹443 crore from companies linked to his family.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf passed the order on Thursday while hearing a petition filed by Katni resident Ashutosh Manu Dixit. The bench directed the court registry to register the contempt petition and list it for hearing on April 6, 2026. It also issued notice to Pathak asking why criminal contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him.

Judge Recuses from Mining Case

The development traces back to September 1, 2025, when Justice Vishal Mishra recused himself from hearing a writ petition related to alleged excess mining by three companies — Anand Mining Corporation, Nirmala Minerals, and Pacific Export. In his order, Justice Mishra explicitly recorded that Sanjay Pathak had made an attempt to call him to discuss the particular matter concerning the Pathak family’s mining companies. He stated he was not inclined to entertain the writ petition and referred the case to the Chief Justice for reassignment.

Advocate Arvind Shrivastava, appearing for petitioner Dixit along with Puneet Shroti, drew the court’s attention to this disclosure in the order sheet, which included a reference to the recorded conversation attempt. The division bench took serious note of the incident, observing it as a prima facie case of interference in judicial proceedings.

Background of Illegal Mining Allegations

The core dispute revolves around allegations of illegal and excess mining in the Sihora area of Jabalpur district, including operations reportedly on forest land. Ashutosh Dixit first approached the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in Bhopal on January 31, 2025, accusing the companies of failing to deposit substantial amounts due to the government.

Following a preliminary enquiry, an investigation team was formed in April 2025. The team submitted its report on June 6, 2025, recommending recovery of over ₹443 crore from the three firms for mining beyond approved limits. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had also informed the state assembly that the companies had extracted minerals in excess of permissions granted.

Dixit later moved the High Court in June 2025, alleging inaction by authorities despite his complaints. The companies, in turn, filed intervention applications in the matter. Sources indicated that the Pathak family has been associated with the mining business for decades, with no prior major complaints of royalty or tax evasion on record from their side.

Contempt Proceedings and Judicial Response

During Thursday’s hearing, the division bench rejected objections raised on behalf of the MLA and proceeded to initiate suo motu action. The court emphasised the need to protect the sanctity of judicial processes. Petitioner’s counsel highlighted that earlier complaints had not led to prompt action, prompting the move to the High Court.

Sanjay Pathak, a five-time MLA and former minister of state in the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government, is often described as a prominent figure in the mining sector in the region. He has not issued any public statement on the latest court order so far.

Impact on Governance and Public Trust

The case has sparked discussions on judicial independence and the boundaries of political influence in ongoing legal matters. Legal experts view the court’s swift response as a strong reaffirmation of the principle that any attempt to influence a judge undermines the administration of justice.

For the mining sector in Madhya Pradesh, the episode highlights ongoing scrutiny over compliance with environmental and regulatory norms, particularly in iron ore extraction zones. The recovery proceedings against the companies are expected to continue independently, with GST implications to be decided separately.

What Lies Ahead

The criminal contempt petition will come up before the court on April 6, 2026, when Pathak is likely to file his response. The matter could have implications for similar cases where allegations of over-mining surface in mineral-rich districts.

Meanwhile, the original writ petition concerning enforcement of the mining recovery has been reassigned and is under active judicial consideration. Authorities in the mineral department continue to monitor compliance and recovery processes.

This incident underscores the judiciary’s zero-tolerance approach towards any perceived interference in its functioning, even as the state government pushes for transparent resource management in key sectors. Developments in the contempt case will be closely watched in political and legal circles across Madhya Pradesh.

MP High Court to begin final hearing on OBC reservation row

The Jabalpur and Indore benches set strict deadlines for resolving the long-standing OBC quota and Bhojshala disputes.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has signaled a decisive end to the protracted legal battle over the OBC reservation hike. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf has clarified that the matter will no longer be deferred. The court has scheduled back-to-back hearings from April 27 to April 29 to reach a final verdict.

Strict timeline for hearings

The court emphasized that no further adjournments would be granted under any circumstances. All parties involved have been directed to present their arguments in full during this three-day window. This decision follows a period of significant delays caused by multiple intervention applications filed over the last few years.

Impact on state recruitment

The dispute stems from the state government's decision to increase OBC reservation from 14% to 27%. This move led to a flurry of litigation, effectively stalling thousands of government recruitments across various departments. Candidates awaiting results for the Latest News Today on state services are hopeful that this final hearing will clear the administrative logjam.

Supreme Court’s intervention

The High Court's renewed urgency follows a directive from the Supreme Court. The apex court had previously set a three-month deadline for the resolution of the reservation issue. While some petitions remain at the central level, the majority have been clubbed together for a comprehensive hearing in the Jabalpur High Court.

Parallel developments in Indore

Simultaneously, the Indore bench of the High Court is set to address the Bhojshala dispute. A division bench featuring Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi has scheduled daily hearings starting April 6 at 2:30 PM. This case involves complex arguments regarding documentation and recent videography surveys conducted at the site.

Legal representation and arguments

High-profile legal teams are expected to appear for the upcoming sessions. During the preliminary discussions, Senior Advocate Salman Khurshid cited recent Supreme Court civil appeals. The state's interest is being represented by Advocate General Prashant Singh, while Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain is appearing for the petitioners.

India News Update: Future Outlook

Legal experts suggest that the court’s firm stance marks a turning point for Madhya Pradesh’s social and political landscape. If the reservation issue is resolved in April, it will pave the way for the Government Updates regarding the release of pending recruitment results. This Public Interest Story remains one of the most followed legal developments in central India.

As the state prepares for these landmark proceedings, the outcome is expected to significantly impact future policy frameworks. For now, all eyes remain on the Jabalpur and Indore benches as they move to conclude these high-stakes cases in the coming weeks.

In a strong push for disability rights, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued a show-cause notice over 22,000 vacant posts for disabled persons across state departments. This comes just hours after a single-judge bench led by Justice D.D. Bansal grilled officials on Friday for ignoring earlier orders.

The court targeted Sanjay Shukla, Principal Secretary of the General Administration Department (GAD), and Anurag Verma, Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Warehousing and Logistics Corporation (MPWLC). They must explain why these vacant posts for disabled remain unfilled despite deadlines. The next hearing is set for April 15.

Court Demands Compliance on Old Orders

Petitioner Rajendra Mehra from Narsinghpur highlighted that 22,000 vacant posts for disabled have lingered vacant for years. These include reservations in GAD, MPWLC, and other departments. The court had previously ordered filling them within six months, following instructions from January 30, 2024.

Justice Bansal questioned the state government sharply: Why no action? The bench directed a full compliance report, stressing urgency.

Petitioner's Lawyer Alleges Contempt

Shivam Tripathi, representing Mehra, called it outright contempt of court. "Officers are deliberately flouting orders," he argued. Tripathi urged the court to hold officials accountable, noting repeated delays harm differently-abled citizens relying on these quotas.

This case underscores Madhya Pradesh's ongoing struggle with disability jobs implementation, even as schemes like Ladli Behna and Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Yojana promote inclusion.

Why This Matters Now in Madhya Pradesh

With MPPSC and state recruitments heating up in 2026, this MP High Court notice spotlights a critical gap. Over 22,000 reserved spots mean thousands of qualified disabled candidates miss opportunities. It ties into national trends like the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, pushing 4-5% quotas.

Experts like disability rights activist Dr. Priya Singh note: "Vacancies erode trust in government promises. Courts must enforce timelines for real change."

Actionable Takeaways for Job Seekers

• Track vacancies: Check MPESB and departmental portals for disability jobs alerts.
  
  

• Legal recourse: File PILs if quotas are ignored—courts are responsive.
  
  

• Skill up: Enroll in free government programs like Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana for competitive edge.
  
  

This development pressures the Mohan Yadav government to act fast. Will officials comply by April 15? Stay tuned for updates on vacant posts for disabled in Madhya Pradesh.

A harrowing health crisis has unfolded at the Ankit Sevadham Ashram in Ambodia, Ujjain, where 11 children have lost their lives in a span of just 51 days. The deaths, occurring between November 20, 2025, and January 10, 2026, have sent shockwaves through Madhya Pradesh, prompting the MP High Court to intervene and demand an immediate investigation into the facility’s living conditions.

A Pattern of Tragedy: Timeline of Deaths

The victims, most of whom were aged between 10 and 18 and suffered from multiple disabilities, were brought to the Ujjain District Hospital in critical condition. Despite medical intervention, they succumbed during treatment. According to records from the Government Charak Hospital:

• December 2025: 8 children died.

• January 2026: 3 children have died to date.

Hospital RMO Dr. Chinmay Chincholkar confirmed that post-mortems were conducted under police supervision. Initial findings indicate that severe anemia and pre-existing chronic conditions were the primary causes of death.

High Court Takes Cognisance

The MP High Court took judicial notice of the matter on Wednesday following reports that a total of 17 children have died at the ashram over the past year. The court has issued stern notices to:

1. The Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh.

2. The Principal Secretary of Women and Child Development.

3. The Collector and Commissioner of Ujjain.

4. The Ashram Superintendent.

The authorities have been given two weeks to submit a detailed inspection report. The next hearing is scheduled for March 12, 2026.

Current Crisis: 50 Children Remain Critical

The ashram currently houses approximately 250 orphaned and disabled children. Ashram director Sudhir Bhai Goyal stated that more than 50 children are currently in critical condition. Goyal defended the institution, noting that many children arrive at Sevadham Ashram Ujjain with terminal illnesses, severe malnutrition, or respiratory issues.

"Most of the children coming to the ashram already suffer from serious illnesses. There are many who cannot walk, eat, or even sit up on their own," Goyal explained.

The Indore Connection

Investigations have revealed a link to the Yug Purush Dham Ashram in Indore. Approximately 1.5 years ago, after a similar string of deaths and allegations of mismanagement in Indore, the administration cancelled that facility's recognition. Consequently, 86 differently-abled children were shifted to the Ujjain ashram. Tragically, a significant number of the deceased children in the current Ujjain crisis were among those transferred from the Indore facility.

Conclusion and Outlook

The recurring deaths of vulnerable children in state-monitored care homes raise urgent questions about the quality of medical supervision and nutritional support provided to disabled orphans. While the ashram cites pre-existing conditions, the sheer volume of fatalities in such a short window suggests a systemic failure.