2026:JHHC:14561-DB 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JHARKHAND AT RANCHI W.P.(PIL) No.5842 of 2025 ----- Court on its Own Motion -Versus- 1. The State of Jharkhand through its Chief Secretary, Project Bhawan, Dhurwa, Ranchi. 2. The Deputy Commissioner, Ranchi. 3. The Secretary, Road Construction Department, Government of Jharkhand, Ranchi. .......... Respondents. ----- CORAM : HON’BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE RAJESH SHANKAR ----- For the Respondents: Mr. Piyush Chitresh, A.C. to A.G. ----- Order No.04 Date: 13.05.2026 1. Heard Mr. Piyush Chitresh, learned A.C. to A.G. for the State. 2. This suo moto public interest litigation was initiated based upon a news item published in daily Hindi newspaper ‘Dainik Bhaskar’ concerning road safety measures on the Harmu Bypass Road, especially in view of school going children crossing the road between Kishoreganj Chowk to Bharat Mata Chowk and also at other places in the city of Ranchi such as Birsa Chowk, Dhurwa Road, Sector 3, Birsa Nagar, High Court Premises, Adarsh Nagar, Dhurwa, Main Road (Mahatma Gandhi Road), Club Road, Station Road etc. 3. Pursuant to notices issued, Sri Binod Kachhap, the Executive Engineer, Road Division Ranchi has filed a counter affidavit. Paragraph nos.4, 5 and 6 of the said affidavit are transcribed below for the convenience of reference:- “4. That the answering respondent humbly submits and states that the road construction department has completed its part of the work between Kishoreganj Chowk to Bharat Mata Chowk. 2026:JHHC:14561-DB 2 5. That it is humbly submitted that construction of zebra crossing, divider painting, road marking has been recently completed and road safety signage installed between Kishoreganj Chowk to Bharat Mata Chowk on Harmu Bypass Road. It is humbly submitted that the aforesaid works are done from time to time for proper maintenance of the road especially keeping in view the safety of all commuters including school going children in mind. 6. That the answering respondent humbly submits that the concerned work of foot over bridge is to be undertaken by the JUIDCO and does not come in the purview of the answering respondent.” 4. Along with the counter affidavit photographs have also been annexed showing some of the measures which have been adopted. They include making provisions for Zebra crossings, signages etc. 5. So far as the issue of foot overbridge is concerned, counter affidavit states that such works are to be undertaken by the JUIDCO. Since, this is a Central Government organization, we direct the State of Jharkhand to approach this organization and pursue the matter for constructing the foot overbridge in interest of road safety, particularly since school students have to use these roads. 6. Now that the measures have been taken, we do not propose to keep this petition pending. However, we direct that the State of Jharkhand, through its Road Division should take effective steps for maintenance of these roads and these measures so that the people, including the school children, are not inconvenienced. Measure should be periodically reviewed, having regard to the 2026:JHHC:14561-DB 3 increased traffic on the roads and the high incidence of road accidents. 7. By accepting the compliance affidavit and by issuing the above directions, we dispose of this petition. (M. S. Sonak, C.J.) (Rajesh Shankar, J.) 13th May, 2026 Sanjay/Rohit Uploaded on 14.05.2026