Ranchi, July 18 -- The Jharkhand High Court on Friday expressed strong displeasure over the state government's approach to holding urban local body (ULB) elections, observing that the administration was bypassing court orders and undermining the rule of law.

Justice Anand Sen, while hearing a contempt petition filed by outgoing ward councillor Roshni Khalkho, remarked that the government was choking the rule of law by not complying with the court's directions regarding timely conduct of municipal polls.

The court directed the Chief Secretary of Jharkhand to appear in person on July 25.

During the proceedings, the judge said the government's inaction in implementing the court's earlier orders on ULB elections amounted to deliberate con...