The Jharkhand High Court on Tuesday expressed strong disapproval of the state government and the Birsa Munda Central Jail administration in Hotwar for failing to file an affidavit regarding security lapses in a bizarre incident where two inmates were seen dancing inside the prison.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Rajesh Shankar was hearing a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL), which was initiated after a video of the incident — dated November 12 — went viral on social media, sparking outrage over lax jail discipline.
The court observed that the state’s response was unsatisfactory and noted that while the assistant jailer and a warden had been suspended, no action had been reported against senior officials, including the jail superintendent and the Inspector General (Prisons). The bench directed the state to file a supplementary affidavit detailing the measures taken against these senior officers.
In addition, the bench sought information regarding the operation and effectiveness of mobile signal jammers within the prison premises. It also asked the state to clarify how the inmates — reportedly held in connection with a liquor scam — had gained access to mobile phones in the first place, allowing them to record and circulate the video.
The court’s stern observations underscore growing concerns about the state of prison management and the availability of contraband within jails. The matter has been listed for further hearing after submission of the supplementary affidavit.
