The Madhya Pradesh High Court has rapped a State Official for appearing in court hearing through virtual mode from his bed, while closing his shirt and in his underpants.

Remarking that the officer was "guilty of misconduct and has committed contempt of this court", the bench of Justice Deepak Khot issued a show cause notice to the officer.

"This Court vide order dated 09.10.2026 had directed the respondent to submit compliance report, failing which, his presence was directed. The respondent appeared in the morning session through Video Conferencing from his bed closing his buttons of the shirt and in underpant. This conduct of the respondent-Contemnor is not according to the court decorum and contemptuous, therefore, this Court is compelled to observe that the respondent-Contemnor is guilty of misconduct and has committed the contempt of this Court".

Upon assurance from the Deputy Advocate General, Swapnil Ganguly, that the matter will be taken up with the Higher Official and that suitable Disciplinary Action would be taken against the officer, the court directed,

"Considering the assurance given by Shri Swapnil Ganguly, Deputy Advocate General, it is directed that the proper disciplinary action be initiated against the respondent-contemnor and report be filed within four weeks before this Court. The respondent-contemnor is also directed to show cause as to why criminal contempt proceedings be not initiated against him for the unbecoming conduct shown by him during the course of the proceedings. Let the reply be also filed within four weeks".

The officer, who is the Joint Director of Town and Country Planning in Bhopal, was appearing in a petition for change of land use.

For Petitioner: Advocates Saket Upadhyay and Dinesh Kumar Upadhyay

For Respondent: Deputy Advocate General Swapnil Ganguly with Advocate Akash Malpani