India, June 9 -- The Public Works Department (PWD) on Sunday warned officials of strict action for delays and negligence in handling court cases. The direction came after a recent incident prompted serious remarks from the court accusing the department of disobedience and "mocking the judicial process".

An office memorandum issued by PWD's personnel director highlights how repeated failure by officials to act promptly in legal matters has drawn the ire of the judiciary. The latest trigger was a case where a personal appearance order was issued against the "PWD head", wherein the court observed that "PWD by continuously showing disobedience is trying to make mockery of the court."

"This is a matter of grave concern. Despite clear instruc...