In a recent hearing at the Jharkhand High Court, IAS officer Manoj Kumar was severely reprimanded by a judge regarding a land acquisition and compensation case. The judge directly questioned Kumar, asking why he was disputing the state’s compensation amount and inquiring about any commissions received. A video of the judge’s strong words has gained traction, sparking conversations among state officials. The judge exhibited significant displeasure throughout the proceedings, specifically addressing the IAS officer. The judge questioned whether there was a separate legal system in Jharkhand compared to the rest of India, emphasizing that public funds should not be misused. The judge accused the officer of disrupting the process and seeking commissions, and even considered filing an FIR. The judge also inquired about the officer’s time in service and their desire for commissions within Jharkhand. The judge instructed the officer to comply or face legal consequences. In response to the judge’s strong remarks, the officer quickly apologized. The judge advised Kumar to focus on his designated responsibilities and to avoid interfering in matters outside of his purview. The judge also stated he would investigate the assets accumulated by the officer. The judge indicated this was a unique situation nationally, asking if the officer was motivated solely by the pursuit of commissions. The judge gave the officer one week to comply and issued a warning of further action if court directives were disregarded.
