The Jharkhand High Court has heard a plea seeking a fair, proper and time-bound investigation into the death of a woman advocate who practised at the High Court. The State assured the Court that the investigation will now be handed over to a Deputy Superintendent of Police.
Justice Rongon Mukhopadhyay listed the matter for further hearing on 02.11.2026 to allow the State to take instructions.
The Plea
The petition was filed by the brother of the deceased, and concerns Bara Bazar (Hazaribagh) P.S. Case No. 258 of 2026.
Senior Advocate Ajit Kumar, appearing for the petitioner along with Advocates Navin Kumar, Vikash Kumar and Anshu Kumari, submitted that there was a prima facie doubt about the death, which appeared to be homicidal. He pointed out that injuries were found on her body, and that when her body was found hanging from a ceiling fan, her feet were touching the ground.
Counsel produced a video of the scene before the Court. The order records that it does appear from the video that the feet of the deceased were touching the ground.
Counsel further submitted that a Sub-Inspector of Police was investigating such a serious offence involving the death of a budding lawyer. He also said that two autopsies were conducted on the body within three hours, and that although family members, including her husband, were absconding, the police had made no effort to apprehend them.
State’s Assurance
Senior Additional Advocate General Achyut Keshav, appearing for the State, assured the Court that the investigation will henceforth be entrusted to a Deputy Superintendent of Police. He added that the progress of the investigation would be placed before the Court if the matter was listed the following week.
Additional Solicitor General of India Prashant Pallav, assisted by Shivani Jaluka, appeared for the Union of India.
Taking note of the rival contentions, the Court listed the matter on 02.11.2026 at 11:30 AM at the top of the board.
Case Title: Devjeet Chakravarty vs. The Union of India & Ors.
Case No.: W.P. (Cr.) (Filing) No. 25211 of 2026
Bench: Justice Rongon Mukhopadhyay
Date: October 26, 2026
