Bilaspur: The Chhattisgarh High Court has taken a strict stance regarding the delay in the appointment of a full-time registrar for the State Pharmacy Council. Following the failure to comply with a previous court order within the stipulated timeframe, a ‘show-cause’ notice for contempt has been issued to three officials, including Health Secretary (IAS) Amit Kataria. The court has directed all the concerned officials to file their responses within three weeks.
Notices issued to three officials
During a hearing on a contempt petition on October 26, 2026, the High Court issued notices to Health Secretary (IAS) Amit Kataria, Director of Health Services Sanjeev Jha, and the President of the Chhattisgarh State Pharmacy Council, Arun Mishra. The court has questioned why the previous order regarding the appointment of a full-time registrar was not complied with within the prescribed time. Furthermore, the officials have been asked to explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them.
What is the case about?
The matter pertains to the appointment of a full-time registrar for the Chhattisgarh State Pharmacy Council. According to media reports, on March 3, 2026, the High Court had directed the removal of the then-registrar, Ashwani Gurdekar, from his position. The case had reached the court due to a dispute concerning his appointment and the required qualifications for the post.
Subsequently, on May 15, 2026, the High Court directed the state government and the Pharmacy Council to appoint a full-time registrar—possessing the prescribed qualifications—within eight weeks. As the appointment was not completed within the stipulated period, the petitioner, Dr. Rakesh Gupta, filed a contempt petition in the court.
Response required within three weeks
The High Court has granted the concerned officials three weeks to present their side. They are required to explain what steps were taken to comply with the previous order and the reasons for the delay in the appointment. The court will determine the further course of action based on the officials’ responses and the available records.
It is worth noting that the issuance of a ‘show-cause’ notice does not imply that the officials have been found guilty of contempt. For now, the court has sought an explanation from them. Moving forward, attention will be focused on the responses from the officials and the subsequent steps taken regarding the appointment of a full-time registrar to the Pharmacy Council.
