It also directed the respondents — including the state government and J N Chamber, the principal secretary to the chief minister — not to interfere in Kumar’s work. The High Court Bench, comprising Justices Janardan Sahai and Rajesh Kumar, asked the respondents to file a counter affidavit within two weeks.

A 1996 batch PCS officer, Kumar had married Ranju Chamber, the niece of J N Chamber in 1996. The couple, however, could not get along and were involved in family feuds.

J N Chamber had allegedly registered an FIR against Kumar under Section 498 (A), 323, 504, 506 of the Indian Penal Code and the Dowry Act on October 19.

Kumar was arrested on October 20 from his Ghaziabad residence and was sent to jail for three days. On October 22, he was suspended.

The Allahabad High Court, meanwhile, has issued bailable warrants against Ram Sewak and Satish Kumar Srivastava, former chairman and the secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission, in a contempt case.

While passing the order, Justice Sanjay Mishra observed that though notices were served on both officials, no one has appeared in court or filed affidavits in connection with the case. The next hearing is on December 3.