Court Expresses Displeasure at Inaction; Demands Explanation for Prolonged Nomination Process
In a significant move, the Allahabad High Court, in its Lucknow bench, has taken strong exception to the Uttar Pradesh government's delay in appointing the Chairman and members of the Uttar Pradesh Commission for Minorities. The court has directed the Additional Chief Secretary or the Principal Secretary of the Minorities Welfare Department to appear in person and provide an explanation for the delay.
The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Shams Tabrez highlighted the failure of the state government to appoint new members to the commission, despite the tenure of the previous members ending in 2024. The court had previously issued directions to expedite the nomination process, which have not been adhered to, leading to stern observations from the bench.
The division bench comprising Justices Rajan Roy and Manjive Shukla expressed their displeasure over the non-compliance with earlier court orders. On April 24, 2026, the bench had asked the standing counsel to furnish instructions regarding the progress of nominations. However, during the latest hearing, the court was informed that the process was still ongoing without any concrete developments, which the judges found disrespectful to the court's directives.
The court has now scheduled a fresh hearing for July 20, 2026, insisting that a high-ranking official from the Minorities Welfare Department appear to explain the reasons behind the delay and the absence of written instructions to the state counsel. The bench stressed the importance of accountability and timely action in matters of public interest, especially concerning minority welfare.
Legal experts view this development as a critical reminder of the judiciary's role in ensuring that government entities fulfill their responsibilities promptly and effectively. The court's insistence on a personal appearance underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate corrective action by the authorities.
Bottom line:-
Failure to appoint Chairman and Members of the Uttar Pradesh Commission for Minorities despite the tenure of the previous Commission ending in 2024 demonstrates inaction on part of the authorities, warranting the personal appearance of the Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary before the Court.
Statutory provision(s): Not explicitly mentioned in the judgment.
Shams Tabrez v. State of U.P., (Allahabad)(Lucknow)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2936457
