02 / 09.04.2026 : Heard the learned counsel representing the petitioner and the learned counsel representing the respondents.

The prayer of the petitioner in this writ petition is for quashing the order dated 13.10.2025 passed by the Circle Officer, Chatra in Doubtful Jamabandi Case No. 122 of 2025-26, order dated 18.10.2025 passed by the Land Reforms Deputy Collector, Chatra in Doubtful Jamabandi Case No. 122 of 2025-26, order dated 06.11.2025 passed by the Sub-Divisional Officer, Chatra in Doubtful Jamabandi Case No. 122 of 2025-26 and order dated 06.12.2025 passed by the Additional Collector, Chatra in Doubtful Jamabandi Case No. 122 of 2025-26 by which recommendations were made for cancellation of Jamabandi under section 4(h) of the Bihar Land Reforms Act.

Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the long standing Jamabandi in favour of the petitioner is sought to be cancelled for which recommendation has already been made. He submits that the land was purchased by the petitioner by virtue of registered sale deed in the year 2003 and the land was already mutated in his name and now a recommendation has been made to cancel the Jamabandi which is in favour of the petitioner. He further submits that no one had challenged the correction of the Jamabandi but suddenly suo motu the respondents have initiated a proceeding under Section 4(h) of the Bihar Land Reforms Act, 1950.

Learned counsel appearing on behalf of the State submits that the documents which the petitioner is challenging in this writ petition are mere recommendation. The recommendation is now pending before the Deputy Commissioner, Chatra who has to take final decision, thus, the petitioner should approach the Deputy Commissioner, Chatra by filing all the documents so that the Deputy Commissioner, Chatra can arrive at a logical conclusion, whether to accept the recommendation or not.

Considering the said submission of the parties and the admitted fact that no final decision has yet been taken and there is only a recommendation, I direct the petitioner to approach the Deputy Commissioner, Chatra and produce all the documents in his favour. It would be open to the petitioner to question the initiation of the proceeding under Section 4(h) of the Bihar Land Reforms Act which has been initiated after a considerable period of time since vesting. It will be open to the petitioner to raise all the pleas before the Deputy Commissioner, Chatra. The Deputy Commissioner, Chatra in turn will give personal hearing to the petitioner before arriving at any conclusion, pursuant to the recommendation which has been made. It is made clear that the recommendations are not binding in nature as the decision has to be taken by the authority concerned independently.

The petitioner is directed to approach the Deputy Commissioner, Chatra within four weeks along with the copy of this order and file their objections raising all the pleas therein. After giving proper hearing, the Deputy Commissioner, Chatra is expected to pass a reasoned order and communicate the same to the petitioner.

With the aforesaid observation and direction, this writ petition is disposed of