HYDERABAD, June 21: Justice Amir Hani Muslim of the Sindh High Court Hyderabad circuit bench on Thursday directed the office of court to issue contempt notice to taluka officer (finance) of the City Taluka Municipal Administration (TMA) for wilfully non-compliance of court order passed on May 30.

He directed the taluk officer finance to file his reply and if found without substance then a charge will be framed against him. The case had been fixed for June 26.

The order was passed on a constitutional petition filed by Meena, widow of Abdul Majeed Brohi, seeking payment of gratuity and group insurance of her husband. She sent an application which the court converted into a petition.

She informed the court that her husband left eight children and he worked in the TMA city as ration man for 25 to 26 years. She said that after his death her family had no means and was at the verge of starvation.

She had submitted documents of her husband's pension two months back but had not been paid pension, gratuity, group insurance which was deducted monthly from his salary.

She informed the court that for two months she kept on approaching Taluka Nazim and account officer. She said that she comes all the way from Tando Mohammad Khan and requested the TMA authorities to ensure payment of her deceased husband.

She said that being Pardah Nasheen she was facing difficulties in catering to food needs of her family. Power at her residence had been disconnected due to non-payment of electricity dues.

She prayed the court to intervene in the matter so that payments could be released.

The court directed Taluka Municipal Officer (TMO) to appear in person before the court along with record as the TO finance Mohammad Usman couldn't pursue the matter. The court observed the TO didn't bring record intentionally and his conduct in court was unbecoming of an officer.

The petitioner stated that the State Life Insurance had disbursed the amount which was being held by the taluk officer finance or municipal authorities.

The court said the taluk officer didn't present any corresponding document to show that he addressed any letter for compliance of orders of court to State Life Insurance.

The court also issued notice to the manager State Life Insurance to appear with record and explanation as to whether the amount of group insurance was disbursed by them to the TMA. The court said that contempt notice should be issued to the taluk officer finance for wilfully not complying with court order.