Any chance that 'caste' had any bearing in the case?
I worked (in England) with two Indians who required deferential behaviour by a senior manager to his junior draughtsman - the SM would never sit in the presence of the (higher caste) - and much younger - minion.
Very strange to observe the draughtsman being summoned to the SM's office whereupon the SM would stand (and remain standing) throughout the conversation.