JAMSHEDPUR, March 22 -- The Jharkhand High Court (HC) on Friday took strict action against administrative apathy in a long-pending pension matter. The court ordered the withholding of the salary of the Palamu District Transport Officer (DTO), sending a strong message to erring administrative officials, lawyers close to the matter said on Saturday.

"The HC Bench of Justice Ananda Sen on Friday took serious note of the disregard for its earlier order and directed the withholding of the Palamu DTO's salary for failure to comply with judicial directions. "The case will be heard in four weeks," Devesh Ajmani, advocate, told HT on Saturday.

The case pertains to petitioner Sant Lal Singh, who was deprived of his rightful retiral benefits, incl...