Ranchi: The Jharkhand High Court has directed police authorities to complete pending investigations into bridge collapse cases in Dhanbad, Palamau and Gumla, preferably within three months.
The Court expressed serious concern over criminal investigations that have remained pending for more than a decade. However, it refused to interfere with the State government’s decision regarding the posting of Birendra Ram as Engineer-in-Chief.
The ruling highlights the importance of speedy criminal investigations, accountability and the protection of fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Jharkhand Bridge Collapse Cases: What Did The Jharkhand High Court Say
The Bench, comprising Chief Justice M.S. Sonak and Justice Manoj Prasad, examined a petition concerning bridge collapse investigations and the posting of Birendra Ram as Engineer-in-Chief.
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The Court noted that First Information Reports (FIRs) relating to bridge collapses in Dhanbad, Palamau and Gumla had been registered between 2009 and 2015. Despite the passage of several years, the investigations were still pending.
The Bench expressed concern over these delays and observed that keeping criminal investigations pending for more than a decade weakens the justice system and affects the rights of the people involved.
Why Did The Court Raise Concerns Over Delayed Investigations in Jharkhand Bridge Collapse Cases
The Court emphasised that criminal investigations must be completed within a reasonable time. Long delays can affect the administration of justice and reduce public confidence in law enforcement agencies.
It observed that the right to a speedy investigation forms an important part of the right to life and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Bench also clarified that it was not attributing deliberate inaction to police officers. However, it said that investigations remaining pending for such a long period required serious attention.
Police Directed To Complete Investigations Within Three Months
To address the delay, the Jharkhand High Court directed the Superintendents of Police of Dhanbad, Palamau and Gumla to ensure that the pending investigations were completed as quickly as possible.
The Court said that final reports under Section 173 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) should preferably be submitted before the jurisdictional courts within three months. The direction aims to ensure that the pending cases move forward without further unnecessary delay.
Court Examines Earlier Investigations Into Bridge Collapses
The Bench noted that the bridge collapse incidents had already been examined through departmental inquiries and technical evaluations conducted by independent experts, including experts from BIT Mesra.
The Court also took note of the action already taken in these matters. Action had been initiated against officials across different ranks, contractors had been blacklisted, and FIRs had been registered wherever criminal acts were indicated. It further noted that damaged bridges had been repaired or reconstructed.
The petitioner had not established that the earlier inquiries were superficial or suffered from any specific defect that would justify ordering a fresh investigation.
Why Did The Court Refuse To Interfere With Birendra Ram’s Posting
The petitioner also sought the removal of Birendra Ram from the post of Engineer-in-Chief. However, the Court declined to grant this request. It observed that decisions relating to the posting, suspension and administrative deployment of public servants generally fall within the authority of the State as their employer.
The Bench also noted that the petitioner had not identified any statutory provision that made Birendra Ram’s continued posting illegal. Therefore, the Court refused to interfere with the government’s administrative decision.
What Is The Significance Of Article 21 In This Jharkhand Bridge Collapse Cases
Article 21 of the Indian Constitution protects the right to life and personal liberty. The courts have recognised that the right to a speedy investigation is an important aspect of this constitutional protection.
In this case, the High Court highlighted that investigations cannot remain unresolved indefinitely. Police authorities must take timely steps to investigate alleged criminal offences and submit the required reports before the appropriate courts. The ruling reinforces the need for effective law enforcement and timely progress in criminal cases.
FAQs
The Court expressed concern because FIRs registered between 2009 and 2015 were still under investigation. It observed that delays lasting more than a decade undermine the administration of justice and affect the right to a speedy investigation under Article 21.
The Jharkhand High Court directed the Superintendents of Police of Dhanbad, Palamau and Gumla to complete pending bridge collapse investigations expeditiously and preferably submit final reports within three months.
No. The Court refused to interfere with Birendra Ram’s posting as Engineer-in-Chief. It held that such administrative decisions generally fall within the State government’s authority and that the petitioner had not established that the posting violated a statutory provision.
