AP Retired IAS Officer Jailed: High Court Shocker!

In Andhra Pradesh, the High Court has sentenced a retired IAS officer, Praveen Prakash, who was previously known for his loyalty to Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy during the YCP government. The court ordered him and another officer to serve one month in jail for contempt of court after they failed to implement a court order and instead used abusive language. This case has garnered significant attention due to its implications for the accountability of government officials.

Praveen Prakash, who served as the Special Principal Secretary of the Education Department, faced criticism for allegedly prioritizing political allegiance over legal obligations. In 2022, an employee named Vijayalakshmi, who retired at 60, sought to extend her service after the retirement age was raised to 62 by the YCP government. However, her request was denied by the Education Department, prompting her to approach the High Court for relief.

The High Court found in favor of Vijayalakshmi, ordering an extension of her service. However, Prakash and Inter Board Secretary Seshagiri Babu failed to comply with this order, claiming that the new retirement age did not apply to inter-board employees established under the Companies Act. This argument was ultimately rejected by the court, which affirmed that inter-board employees are entitled to the same benefits as other government employees.

As a result of their noncompliance, both Prakash and Babu were sentenced to one month in jail and fined two thousand rupees each. However, their sentences have been stayed for four weeks to allow them time to appeal. This ruling highlights ongoing tensions surrounding government accountability and adherence to judicial directives in Andhra Pradesh.