2026:JHHC:18423 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JHARKHAND AT RANCHI W.P.(C) No. 4198 of 2026 ------ 1. Subhash Pradhan (65 yrs). 2. Shambhu Charan Pradhan (62yrs). Both S/o Late Mahendra Pradhan, R/o Village Dugdha near Hari Mandir, PO, PS-Gamaria, Dist-Seraikella Kharswan. … … Petitioner(s) Versus 1. The State of Jharkhand. 2. Deputy Commissioner, Seraikella Kharswan at Seraikella, PO, PS & Dist-Seraikella Kharswan. 3. The Circle Officer Gamaria, PO, PS-Gamaria, Dist-Seraikella- Kharswan. 4. The Managing Director/CEO Tata Steel Limited / Usha Martin Limited (Usha Alloys & Steel) Division Phase V Adityapur, Industrial Area Gamaria, PO, PS-Gamaria, Dist-Seraikella Kharswan. … … Respondent(s) ------ CORAM : SRI ANANDA SEN, J. ------ For the Petitioner(s) : Mr. H.K. Mahato, Advocate For the Respondent(s) : Mr. Indrajit Sinha, Advocate Mr. Ajay Kumar Sah, Advocate ------ 03/ 24th June, 2026 1. Heard the parties. 2. The grievance of the petitioners is that the land of the petitioners was sold to Usha Martin Limited, later on, taken over by Tata Steel Limited (both are absolutely private concern and not a “State” as per Article 12 of the Constitution) but as per the agreement entered between the petitioners i.e., the seller of the land and Usha Martin Limited (later on taken over by Tata Steel Limited), employment was not granted. 3. The petitioners want to enforce that agreement by filing an application under Article 226 of the Constitution. Admittedly, neither Usha Martin Limited nor Tata Steel Limited is a “State” within the meaning of Article 12 of the Constitution. They are absolutely a private entity. Against the private entity that too for enforcing contractual obligation, a writ application under Article 226 of the Constitution will not lie. 4. Thus, this writ application is dismissed with a liberty to the petitioners to approach the Civil Court for specific performance, to enforce the obligation, if any. (ANANDA SEN, J.) 24.06.2026 S.K.D/CP-2 Uploaded on 01.07.2026