Jharkhand HC Pulls Up Govt Over Lax Coal Mine Safety

Ranchi (IANS): Taking suo motu cognisance of the deteriorating safety and health conditions in coal mines, the Jharkhand High Court on Monday reprimanded the state government and ordered the Chief Inspector of Factories to appear in person at the next hearing.

A division bench comprising Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad and Justice Sanjay Prasad initiated the proceedings following Supreme Court mandates to prioritize the right to life for mine workers, signalling that judicial patience has worn thin over administrative negligence.

Court Rejects Govt Report

The court summarily rejected a state compliance report submitted during the hearing on Monday, observing that the document failed to reflect the hazardous realities on the ground. Demanding immediate accountability, the bench directed the administration to enforce strict safety protocols, eliminate illegal mining operations, and ensure comprehensive medical facilities for all workers.

The bench expressed deep dissatisfaction with the findings. The court observed a significant gap between the safety standards reported on paper and the actual conditions on the ground. Consequently, the judges demanded specific details on the concrete steps the administration has taken to protect workers during hazardous operations and to safeguard their long-term health.

Detailed Roadmap

The court has sought a detailed roadmap for the regularisation of contract staff and the implementation of minimum wage standards, warning that the Chief Inspector must now personally justify the lack of progress in protecting the state’s mining workforce.

The bench expressed deep dissatisfaction with the findings. The court observed a significant gap between the safety standards reported on paper and the actual conditions on the ground. Consequently, the judges demanded specific details on the concrete steps the administration has taken to protect workers during hazardous operations and to safeguard their long-term health.

Mandate for Enforcement and Welfare

The court issued several categorical directives to ensure the protection of the mining workforce:

• Safety & Enforcement: The administration must strictly enforce safety rules and completely curb illegal mining activities.
• Medical Facilities: The state must ensure that all mines provide adequate medical support for their employees.
• Worker Rights: The court requested a comprehensive progress report on the regularisation of contract workers, the payment of minimum wages, and the active implementation of welfare schemes.