Disciplinarian: Chief Justice M. Karpagavinayagam

Ranchi, Jan. 18: Dressing casually almost landed the road construction department’s chief engineer Jai Prakash behind the bars at Jharkhand High Court today.

Dressed in a bright T-shirt and jacket, Jai Prakash was hauled up by Chief Justice M. Karpagavinayagam and was directed to attend the post lunch session “aptly dressed”.

The judge directed him to wear a coat and tie and also to ensure that the orders of the court are complied with in a letter and in spirit or else he would be put behind bars.

The chief justice remarked that Jai Prakash looked more like a schoolboy than a chief engineer. He said that the engineer’s sweater was not properly tucked in nor was his shirt was buttoned. The judge rebuked him by asking if he had just arrived from some hill station!

The judge observed that the official had not complied with the orders of the bench. He should have realised the importance of appearing before a court of law and should not have treated it as child’s play.

Justice Karpagavinayagam further inquired into the chief engineer’s association with the government to which Jai Prakash said that he has been working here since 1980. The chief justice is always dressed immaculately for court and expects all his counsels to come in proper uniform.

Jai Prakash was called regarding a case filed by one Navin Kumar Sharma who alleged that his salary was not paid for the past seven months. The court directed Jai Prakash to immediately make payments or be prepared to go to prison. The matter will be again taken up on January 24.