Laxmi Mansion in Bistupur Could Collapse Anytime, Warns Petition in High Court

Jamshedpur: The Jharkhand High Court has taken a serious view of the deteriorating condition of the Laxmi Mansion building located in the busy Bistupur area of Jamshedpur.

Hearing a petition related to the dangerous condition of the multi-storied structure, Justice Sanjay Prasad of the Vacation Bench directed the Deputy Commissioner of East Singhbhum and the Deputy Municipal Commissioner of the Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee to appear through video conferencing during the next hearing scheduled for May 21.

The Court also instructed the State Government and JNAC authorities to file their counter affidavits without delay.

Built in 1936, the Laxmi Mansion building was declared “condemned” by the Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee (JNAC) and the Building Construction Department on July 6, 2021. Around 25 shopkeepers and their customers remain at risk daily, as the structure sits on a busy main road with constant vehicular and pedestrian movement.

Residents to Be Made Parties in the Case

During the hearing, the Court directed petitioner Dumkeshwar Mahto to implead all residents currently living inside Laxmi Mansion as respondents in the case so their views could also be heard.

The Court further granted permission to the petitioner to personally serve notices, including to the newly added respondents, through Dasti Notice.

Court Fixes Early Hearing Considering Seriousness

Taking into account the urgency and possible threat to human life, the High Court fixed the matter for hearing on May 21, allowing very limited time for submission of responses.

Additional Advocate General Sachin Kumar appeared on behalf of the State Government, while Advocate Krishna Kumar represented the JNAC before the Court.

NIT Jamshedpur Report Declared Building Dangerous

During arguments, the petitioner’s counsel informed the Court that the Laxmi Mansion building has become extremely weak and dangerous and may collapse at any moment, posing a major threat to life and property.

The Court was informed that, following earlier directions of a Division Bench in April 2025, the district administration had constituted a high-level committee and sought a technical assessment from National Institute of Technology Jamshedpur.

According to the technical report submitted by NIT Jamshedpur, the building was declared highly dangerous and unfit for habitation.

Evacuation and Demolition Order Yet to Be Implemented

Based on the NIT report, the Deputy Municipal Commissioner of JNAC had earlier issued an order directing immediate evacuation and demolition of the building.

However, the petitioner alleged before the Court that despite the official order, the structure still remains standing and several people continue to reside inside the building due to administrative inaction.

Petition Warns of Possible Major Tragedy

The writ petition filed by Dumkeshwar Mahto states that the condition of Laxmi Mansion has deteriorated to such an extent that it could collapse like a “house of cards” at any time.

The petition further warned that failure to evacuate and demolish the building in time could lead to a major tragedy in the densely populated commercial area of Bistupur.

Taking cognizance of the matter, the High Court has now sought accountability from senior district and civic officials.