Jharkhand High Court sitting judge, Justice Kailash Prasad Dev passed away on Friday at 5:20 am while undergoing treatment at Medica Hospital in Ranchi. Justice Dev was 55 years old and was suffering from critical illness for the past few months.

The official information issued by the High Court stated, "It is for information to all concerned that the business of the High Court of Jharkhand and its Offices as well as Subordinate Courts of the State shall remain closed on 22nd September 2023, as a mark of respect to the departed soul of Justice Kailash Prasad Deo, Judge, High Court of Jharkhand, Ranchi." 

As the news of the passing away of Justice Prasad spread, the Court decided to suspend the activities of the High Court and Subordinate Courts and all the associated offices. "I am directed to inform you that Justice Kailash Prasad Deo, Judge, High Court of Jharkhand, Ranchi, has left for his heavenly abode today, i.e, September 22, 2023, and as a mark of respect to the departed soul, the business of all the subordinate courts of the state shall remain closed today," the registrar general of the high court said in a communication to district and sessions judges.

Justice Deo had been elevated from being a practicing advocate to a Judge of the High Court in 2017.

The mortal remains of the late Justice Kailash Prasad Dev moved from Medica Hospital to his residence at Doranda Nepal House. From there, it was taken to the Jharkhand High Court premises, followed by a final procession leaving the High Court for Muktidham.

The news of his passing has brought immense grief to the legal community, with Judges and Advocates expressing their sorrow and grief. The legal fraternity remembered Justice Prasad as a kind and cooperative judge of Jharkhand High Court.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren reached the high court premises and paid tributes to Deo.

Soren said he is saddened by the untimely demise of Justice Deo which "is an irreparable loss to the judicial world. May God grant peace to the departed soul and give strength to the bereaved family members at this difficult time of grief." Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan took to 'X' to express his grief

"The untimely demise of Jharkhand High Court Judge Kailash Prasad Deo is very sad and painful. His demise is an irreparable loss. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. May God give them the strength to bear this pain," Radhakrishnan said. 

As the High Court was closed, Chief Minister Hemant Soren who was to file a petition at Jharkhand High Court challenging his summons by the Enforcement Directorate could not file his petition.

Soren has decided to approach the High Court after Supreme Court Monday refused to entertain Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s plea challenging the summons issued to him by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with money laundering charges and asked him to instead approach the High Court in this regard.