JUDGMENT :

1. Heard Mr Vibhor Mayank, learned A.C. to A.G. appearing for the State, and Mr Prashant Pallav, learned Senior Advocate and the learned A.S.G.I. appearing for the Union of India (Railways).

2. This matter was registered as a suo motu Public Interest Litigation, consequent upon a receipt of a letter from Dr Devendra Mahato on 4th September 2025, which reads as follows:-

“To,

Date: 04-Sept-25

The Chief Justice of High Court

Ranchi, Jharkhand.

Sub: Regarding the road condition in your recent visit to JonhaWater Fall

Respected Sir,

While returning from Jonha Water Fall to Ranchi, the condition of connecting road from water fall located in Village Koynardih to Jonha Fall Road is very miserable.

This is the only approaching road which connects villagers to Jonha Bazar, School, Hospital and Ranchi Town. Almost more than 15 villages and 20 thousand people getting affected due to poor condition of road. Tourism also getting affected due to such poor road condition.

This road has to start from Jonha Fall Road (near Gautam Dhara Station underpass) and approx.. 1 KM area comes under railway authority and they also not allowing construction the road whereas on other side railway has made underpass and road at his own land for public.

Villagers met with MP/MLA and our MP/MLA further forwarded letter to REO, PWD and also sent letters to Forest and Railway department but no action taken for more than 15 years. Because of such frustration few Villagers has boycotted the last parliament election.

Considering the situation of poor villagers and struggling in their day-to-day activities without the road, we are requesting you to take suo motu cognizance for the development of this area.

We would be highly obliged, if you could help us.

Thanking you,

Sincerely Yours

Dr. Devendra Mahato”

3. During the hearing, it transpired that the State authorities were willing to undertake the work of widening of the existing kutcha road from 5 meters to 8 meters and further, to convert this kutcha road into a metal paved road.

4. However, the learned Advocate General and other Advocates who appeared on behalf of the State stated that no objection certificate from the Railways would be necessary to undertake the above works. Accordingly, Mr Prashant Pallav, learned A.S.G.I., who appears in this matter on behalf of the Union of India (Railway authorities), stated that the Railway authorities would consider issuing a no-objection certificate for road-strengthening works from Masrijara to Heslabeda, which was the subject matter of this suo motu public interest litigation.

5. From time to time, several orders were issued regarding jointinspection, layout preparation, surveys, etc.

6. Finally, we were informed that the proposal for the grant of NOCby the Railways was at an advanced stage and that a decision would be taken in the matter shortly.

7. Today, we are happy to note that Mr Prashant Pallav, learned A.S.G.I., has handed over the communication dated 01.07.2026 addressed to him by the Divisional Railway Manager (Engineering) / RNC, South Eastern Railways. A copy of this communication is taken on record and marked as “X” for identification.

8. The above communication reads as follows:-

“South Eastern Railway

Office of the

Divl. Railway Manager (Engg.)/RNC

Dtd. 01.07.2026

No.L/12/Court case/2026

To,
Shri Prashant Pallav
Assistant Solicitor General of India
Jharkhand High Court, Ranchi
Mob. No.-9470307609

Sub:- Issuance of No Objection Certificate (NOC) for road strengthening works from Masrijara to Heslabeda W.P.(PIL) No. 5065/2025 before the Hon'ble High Court of Jharkhand, Ranchi.

Sir,

With reference to the subject cited above, it is submitted that the proposal for issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for road strengthening works from Masrijara to Heslabeda over 1.887 Km of Railway Land under Ranchi Division has been approved by the Competent Authority in compliance with the directions of Hon'ble High Court of Jharkhand in its order dated 26.02.2026 and 09.04.2026, while duly