2026:JHHC:19741 Page | 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JHARKHAND AT RANCHI W.P.(C) No. 4738 of 2026 ------ Mukesh Kumar Pandey, S/o Balmukund Pandey, R/o Bhagwatidih Road, Ward No.6, PO & PS-Markachho, Dist-Koderma, Jharkhand. … … Petitioner(s) Versus 1. The State of Jharkhand represented through the Deputy Commissioner, Hazaribag, PO, PS & Dist-Hazaribagh. 2. The Deputy Commissioner, Hazaribag, PO, PS & Dist- Hazaribagh. 3. The Land Reforms Deputy Collector, Sadar, Hazaribag, PO, PS & Dist-Hazaribag. 4. The Circle Officer, Katkamdag, PO & PS-Katkamdag, Dist- Hazaribag. … … Respondent(s) ------ CORAM : SRI ANANDA SEN, J. ------ For the Petitioner(s) : Mr. Atul Kumar Tiwari, Advocate Mr. Awnish Shankar, Advocate For the Respondent(s) : Mr. Tarun Kr. Mahato, AC to AG ------ 02/ 06th July, 2026 1. Heard the parties. 2. The Mutation Application of the petitioner has been dismissed by the Circle Officer, Katkamdag, District-Hazaribag. 3. Admittedly, the order impugned is appealable before the learned LRDC. Being the Appellate Court, he has power to appreciate, re-appreciate evidence and also take an independent view based on documents. If some documents are wanting, he has the power to call for the same and ask the parties to produce the same also. 4. Thus, since there is a remedy of statutory appeal available to the petitioner, the petitioner should challenge the impugned order before the Appellate Authority, who will consider the same on merits and if some documents are necessary for arriving at a proper conclusion, the Appellate Authority may call for the same which should be produced. The Appellate Authority, since has the power of appreciating, re-appreciating evidence, will judge the issue and will pass an appropriate order, after giving an opportunity of hearing to all the parties concerned. 2026:JHHC:19741 Page | 2 5. It is made clear that the petitioner should file an appeal within two weeks along with an application for condonation of delay, which will be considered by the Appellate Authority, considering the pendency of this writ petition before this Court and it is expected that the appeal of the petitioner should be decided on merits. 6. With the aforesaid observation, this writ petition stands disposed of. (ANANDA SEN, J.) 06th July, 2026 S.K.D/CP-2 Uploaded on 08.07.2026