NEW DELHI: Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi sacked two officers of the court who allegedly tampered with the court’s directions asking Reliance Communications chairman Anil Ambani to make a personal appearance in a contempt case.

Court masters Manav Sharma and Tapankumar Chakravarthy of registrar rank were sacked with the special power of court allowed by the Indian Constitution section 311. On primary investigation, the tampering became evident. On January 7, the apex court was hearing a contempt plea moved by Ericsson India against Anil Ambani, Reliance Telecom Chairman Satish Seth, and Reliance Infratel Ltd. Chairperson Chhaya Virani for not making a payment of Rs 550 crore despite repeated assurances. The court ordered them to make a personal appearance.

However, when the order was uploaded on the website of the court, it seemed personal appearance of the alleged contemnor(s) was 'dispensed with' despite Justice Nariman's order: "...personal appearance of the alleged contemnor(s) not dispensed with".

On January 10, the appellant brought this mistake to the notice of the court. The court instituted an enquiry into the issue. A revised order was uploaded on the same day, which made it clear that Ambani would have to appear personally in the court.

After hearing all the parties on Wednesday, the top court reserved its judgment on the issue.