2026:JHHC:25577 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JHARKHAND AT RANCHI W.P.(C) No. 1811 of 2025 ------- M/s ZeeAlert Services Private Limited, having its registered office at 201, Malabar Enclave, Besides DAV Public School, Bariatu, Ranchi, through its Director-cum-Authorized Representative Rajiv Ranjan Singh son of late Mohan Singh, resident of Gangajal Valley Apartment, Flat No. 3 A, Block -B, near DAV School, Bariatu, Ranchi. .... Petitioner(s) Versus 1. The State of Jharkhand. 2. The Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, Project Building, Dhurwa, Ranchi. 3. Civil Surgeon-cum-Chief Medical Officer, Ranchi, Purulia Road, Sadar Hospital Campus, Sadar, Ranchi, Jharkhand. … Respondent(s). ------ CORAM : SRI ANANDA SEN, J. ------ For the Petitioner(s): M/s Srikant Swarup and Pratyush Shounikya, Advocate. For the State: AC to AG ------ 06/24.08.2026 Heard the parties. 2. It is the grievance of the petitioner that inspite of taking work from the petitioner for supply of man-pawer during COVID -19 period, the respondents are not paying the dues. 3. After going through the record and letter No. 3986 dated 21.2.2025 (Annexure 5) issued by Civil Surgeon-cum-Chief Medical Officer, Ranchi, I find that the said letter provides that once the department receives the necessary allotment from the State, they will disburse the same to the petitioner. Further in the counter affidavit in para-11, the respondents have admitted that the petitioner has worked but due to non-availability of fund, the amount is not being disbursed. Further in paragraphs 12 and 13, it has been stated that the matter has been referred to the Cabinet and after due approval of the said Cabinet, the amount will be disbursed to the petitioner. It is necessary to quote para 11, 12 and 13 of the counter affidavit, which run as under:- “11. That it is further stated that the amount for different work during the emergency period of COVID-19 was made available by the Govt. of India and Home, Jail and Disaster Management Department (Disaster Management Division), Jharkhand. The answering respondent had earlier requested the Home Jail and Disaster Management Department (Disaster Management Division), Jharkhand for the payment of outstanding amount. However, the Home Department has replied saying there is no fund available for above work. 12. That it is stated that upon reply of the Home Department, a proposal has been sent to the State Cabinet seeking approval for payment of outstanding requisitioned amount by various districts under COVID-19 from State Scheme budget of health Department. 13. That it is stated that the outstanding/admitted amount payable under the agreement shall be paid to the petitioner after due approval by the State Cabinet/Council of Ministers.” 4. From the aforesaid statements, it is admitted that the petitioner is entitled to recover the dues from the respondent-State. The respondent State has taken a plea that they are not able to pay the dues to the petitioner as there is lack of fund. The lack of fund cannot be a ground to deprive a contractor of his legitimate dues. 5. Thus, I direct the State to pay the admitted dues to the petitioner within three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. 6. Accordingly, this writ petition stands disposed of. Pending interlocutory applications, if any, stand disposed of. 24th August, 2026 (ANANDA SEN, J.) Anu/-Cp2. Uploaded on: 27.8.2026