Neutral Citation No. 2026:JHHC:8477-DB IN THE HIGH COURT OF JHARKHAND AT RANCHI W.P. (C) No. 1754 of 2026 Ali Reja, aged about 52 years, son of Gulam Mustofa, resident of Gangadda, Radipur, Pakur, P.O. & P.S. Pakur, District Pakur, Jharkhand ... Petitioner Versus 1. State of Jharkhand 2. The Secretary, Department of Industries, Mines and Geology, having its office at Yojna Bhawan, P.O. and P.S. Doranda, District Ranch (Jharkhand). 3. The Director, Mines Directorate, Department of Mines and Geology, Government of Jharkhand, having its office at Yojna Bhawan, P.O. and P.S. Doranda, District Ranch (Jharkhand). 4. Deputy Commissioner, Pakur, having its office at District Collectorate, Pakur, P.O. & P.S. Pakur, District Pakur, (Jharkhand). 5. District Mining Officer, Pakur, having its office at District Collectorate, Pakur, P.O. & P.S. Pakur, District Pakur, (Jharkhand). ... Respondents --------- CORAM: HON’BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE RAJESH SHANKAR --------- For the Petitioner: Mr. Indrajit Sinha, Advocate Mr. P.A.S. Pati, Advocate For the Respondents: Mr. Piyush Chitresh, A.C. to A.G. --------- 02/Dated: 25.03.2026 1. Heard learned counsel for the parties. 2. The petitioner challenges the show-cause notice dated 20.09.2025 issued by the District Mining Officer, Pakur. 3. Since this is a challenge only to a show-cause notice, we are not inclined to entertain this petition. However, we clarify that it will be open the petitioner to raise all contentions, including, the contention about lack of jurisdiction before the Officer who has issued the impugned notice. We have no doubt that the Officer will consider and Neutral Citation No. 2026:JHHC:8477-DB dispose of the show-cause notice after considering all such contentions and objections in accordance with law and on their own merits. The show-cause notice must be disposed of by passing a reasoned order after affording the petitioner an opportunity of hearing. 4. This petition is disposed of in the above terms without any order for costs. (M. S. Sonak, C.J.) (Rajesh Shankar, J.) March 25, 2026 N.A.F.R. Manoj/ Sharda/Cp.2 Uploaded on 26.03.2026