The Jharkhand High Court has initiated a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding claims of sexual exploitation at Birsa Munda Central Jail. A division bench, consisting of Justice Rongon Mukhopadhyay and Justice Pradeep Kumar Srivastava, issued an order on Friday demanding a comprehensive report from the state government, the Director General of Police (DGP), and the Ranchi Jail Superintendent within two weeks.
The court noted active efforts by administrative officials to suppress information concerning the abuse.
Judicial Directives: The bench requires detailed accounts of the victim's safety protocols, the status of her medical examinations, and the disciplinary measures initiated against the accused staff.
Government Response: The state has formed a three-member inquiry committee—comprising Manoj Kumar (Director, Administration), Tushar Ranjan Gupta (Assistant Inspector of Prisons), and Chandramouli Singh (Probation Officer)—to probe the incident.
Ongoing Oversight: The Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA), led by Justice S.N. Prasad, has already dispatched a team to the facility to document statements from the victim, a para-legal volunteer, and the prison medical staff.
Political and Institutional Context
The allegations, which include claims of forced termination of pregnancy, have triggered sharp reactions from political factions. Babulal Marandi, the leader of the opposition, formally brought the matter to the attention of the Chief Minister earlier this week, alleging that high-ranking prison officials have misused their institutional authority to conceal evidence and shield perpetrators.
The court, which expressed severe displeasure during the hearing, emphasized that the individuals currently under investigation are the very same personnel entrusted with the safety and welfare of inmates. The case is scheduled for further hearing on June 8.
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| Authority | Role in Inquiry |
|---|---|
| JHALSA | Conducted site visit and witness interviews. |
| Home Department | Established a three-member high-level probe. |
| High Court | Monitoring compliance via mandated affidavits. |
This investigation follows a series of reports documenting internal misconduct within the Hotwar facility. The bench’s decision to convert the matter into a PIL signals a shift toward strict judicial monitoring of state-run custodial institutions, specifically regarding the treatment of female inmates.
