2026:JHHC:10288 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JHARKHAND AT RANCHI W.P.(C) No. 1274 of 2026 ------ Vinod Kumar Sinha, son of late Rambalabh Sahay, resident of New Colony, P.O and P.S. – Barhi, District- Hazaribagh. … Petitioner(s) Versus 1. The State of Jharkhand through the Secretary, Department of Registration, Revenue and Land Reforms, officiating from his office at Project Bhawan, Dhurwa, Ranchi. 2. The Deputy Commissioner, Hazaribagh. 3. The Divisional Forest Officer, Hazaribagh. ... Respondent(s) ------ CORAM : SRI ANANDA SEN, J. ------ For the petitioner(s): Ms. Shivani Jaluka, Advocate. For the Opp. Party(s): Mr. Sanjay Kr. Tiwari, SC-I. ------ 03/10.04.2026: The initial order of encroachment passed against the petitioner under the Jharkhand Public Land Encroachment Act has been challenged by the petitioner in this writ petition. 2. Admittedly, Section 11 of the Jharkhand Public Land Encroachment Act provides for filing an appeal against the order of removal of encroachment. 3. Whatever the defence the petitioner is taking in this writ petition, can very well be taken by filing an appeal before the Appellate Authority. 4. Since there is Statutory Appellate Authority under the Jharkhand Public Land Encroachment Act and remedy of appeal is available to the petitioner, I am not inclined to exercise my jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India. Accordingly, this petition is dismissed. 5. However, the petitioner is at liberty to approach before the Appellate Authority by filing appropriate appeal. 10th April, 2026 (ANANDA SEN, J.) Anu/-Cp2.