The Supreme Court on Monday issued contempt notices to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, Union Minister T R Baalu, chief secretary L K Tripathi, among others, for defying the apex court's directive of not to go ahead with the October 1 state bandh call given by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam for speedy completion of the Sethusamudram project.

A bench comprising Justice B N Agarwal and Justice P P Naolekar also issued notices to the transport minister and the director general of police, but exempted all the VIPs from a personal appearance in the court.