Patna:
Patna High Court has initiated contempt proceedings and slapped a fine of Rs 25,000 on former state Human Resource Development Secretary, K K Pathak for not appearing in the court several times ignoring directives in connection with a petition by teachers of Patna University.
Justice Navniti Prasad Singh imposed the fine on Pathak, an IAS officer currently Managing Director of Beltron, for flouting its directive for appearing before it for the sixth time "undermining the dignity and authority of the court."
"As per the provisions of the Contempt of Court Act, let a notice be issued to him (Pathak) with direction to appear in person before the appropriate bench of this court on September 27," the court also ordered on Monday.
The judge passed the order in connection with a writ application filed by Dr Dharmsheela Prasad and other teachers of Patna University seeking to quash the notices dated July 13, 2009, issued by the university registrar questioning the legality and validity of their dates of absorption in service.