Jharkhand High Court directs Chandil SDO to verify land claim in Sarhul dispute

Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, March 20: The Jharkhand High Court, while hearing Writ Petition No. 1868/2026 in the court of Justice Anand Sen, issued key directions in a land dispute linked to the proposed celebration of the Sarhul festival in Saraikela-Kharsawan district.
The petitioner, Surya Pad Mahato, approached the court alleging that certain individuals have been attempting to forcibly occupy his approximately 7.5 acres of land—covering plot numbers 395, 397, 403, and 404 at Saherbera—since 2024, under the pretext of organizing the Sarhul festival.
He further submitted that despite filing complaints before the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, and the Divisional Commissioner, no action had been taken.
Mahato also raised concerns over a notice issued by the SDM under Section 144 of the CrPC, stating that he had been summoned without any clear mention of the authority or grounds for such action.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the High Court directed the petitioner to appear before the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Chandil, at 3 PM today (on the same day) along with all relevant land ownership documents.

The court observed that if the documents establish a prima facie title in favour of the petitioner, it would be the duty of the SDO to ensure protection of his property rights.

The court subsequently disposed of the writ petition with these directions.
It also ordered that copies of the directive be immediately provided to the concerned authorities.
The High Court registry ensured prompt communication of the order to the offices of the ADM and other officials via fax by around 1:30 PM.
Advocates Akhilesh Kumar Shrivastava and Neha Agrawal represented the petitioner during the proceedings, with arguments also presented through virtual mode.
The case highlights the intersection of property rights and public event organization, with the court emphasizing administrative responsibility in safeguarding lawful ownership.