Jharkhand High Court Orders Overhaul of Birsa Munda Central Jail Management

The Jharkhand High Court has instructed the immediate appointment of a regular superintendent at Birsa Munda Central Jail, Hotwar, following reports of over two undertrials dancing in jail. Measures were directed to prevent contraband entrance, and surprise inspections by authorities were mandated. The case will be reviewed in January 2026.

The Jharkhand High Court delivered a firm directive for the state government to promptly appoint a permanent superintendent at Birsa Munda Central Jail in Hotwar. This action comes in light of a public interest litigation spurred by media reports showing two undertrials dancing within the jail premises, with viral videos of the incident circulating.

In response to these events, the court commanded the government to enforce stringent measures to prevent entry of mobile phones, chargers, drugs, and other intoxicants into the jail. Additionally, it instructed the district administration and Jharkhand Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) to perform regular surprise inspections inside the jail to maintain order and security.

The legal proceedings are scheduled to continue on January 5, 2026. Following media coverage on November 12, IG (Prisons) Sudarshan Mandal took immediate disciplinary action by suspending assistant jailor Deonath Ram and warder Binod Yadav for their alleged negligence.

(With inputs from agencies.)