Orissa HC issues arrest warrant against Higher Education secretary over increment dispute

The Orissa High Court has issued an arrest warrant against Arvind Agrawal, commissioner-cum-secretary of the state Higher Education Department, for what it described as “aggravated contempt of court” in connection with a long-pending service matter involving a retired employee.

According to The New Indian Express report, the action stems from alleged failure to comply with the court’s earlier directive concerning Tapan Kumar Pattanaik, a Higher Education Department employee who had challenged the denial of a due increment shortly before his retirement. 

Pattanaik had submitted a formal representation on April 7, 2025, seeking release of the increment, but claimed that the authorities did not take a decision despite having all necessary records.

Aggrieved by the inaction, Pattanaik moved the High Court, which on July 30, 2025, instructed the department to decide the matter within eight weeks and inform the petitioner accordingly. During the hearing, the state government’s counsel maintained that such increments are not automatic and are subject to fulfilment of prescribed conditions, but assured the court that the representation would be examined within the stipulated time.

Relying on this assurance, the court disposed of the petition while warning that unnecessary delays under the pretext of seeking further information would not be tolerated.

Subsequently, Pattanaik filed a contempt petition, alleging non-compliance with the order. On December 12, 2025, the court granted additional time after the Additional Government Advocate submitted that compliance would be reported at the next hearing. However, no such compliance was placed before the court.

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In an order uploaded on Monday, the High Court observed that the authorities had not only failed to carry out its directions but had also violated the undertaking given to the court, terming the conduct as “aggravated contempt.” It accordingly ordered issuance of an arrest warrant against the sole contemnor, Arvind Agrawal, to ensure his appearance before the court on January 22, 2026.

The court, however, granted him a final opportunity to avert coercive action by submitting proof of compliance before the scheduled date.