SUMAN K SHRIVASTAVA
Ranchi, April 16: The Jharkhand High Court has come down strongly on attempts to obstruct reforms at the prestigious Netarhat Residential School, dismissing an interim application filed by its Administrative Officer and imposing a ₹25,000 fine for “gross abuse of the process of the court.”
A division bench of Chief Justice M.S. Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar observed that repeated efforts were being made to frustrate its February 19, 2026, order, which had directed an ad hoc committee to meet and streamline the school’s management.
Feb 19 Order Ignored, Meetings Repeatedly Blocked
In its detailed observations, the court noted that despite clear directions on February 19, 2026, to hold a meeting of the ad hoc committee, the process was deliberately stalled. Members were allegedly prevented from participating, and “personal and trivial issues” were raised to block proceedings.
The court expressed concern that even senior government officials showed a lack of seriousness, with directions to attend meetings either ignored or complied with by sending junior representatives. It termed the conduct a “concerted effort” to ensure the committee does not function.
The situation persisted even when the Sabhapati, citing ill health, joined via video conference and requested assistance from another member. The court said this was a reasonable arrangement, but it was rejected on “hyper-technical grounds” to derail the meeting.
Plea Termed Motivated, SC Backing Noted
The bench rejected the plea by Administrative Officer Roshan Kumar Baxi, who questioned the maintainability of the PIL, alleging personal motives of the petitioner. The court held that such claims were frivolous and motivated, noting that the issue was raised only at a stage when non-compliance with court orders was under scrutiny.
It also clarified that the PIL could not be dismissed as a “personal interest” or “paisa interest” litigation. The court referred to the Supreme Court’s February 6, 2026, order, which allowed the proceedings to continue and urged expeditious disposal within six months.
New Chairman Appointed, Fresh Deadline Set
Taking note of the failure to hold meetings, the court relieved Sabhapati Ashok Kumar Sinha due to health reasons and appointed retired IAS officer Raj Kumar as the new head of the ad hoc committee. All stakeholders, including the Principal and Administrative Officer, were directed to fully cooperate.
The court ordered that the next committee meeting be held on May 2, 2026, at 11 AM, reiterating its earlier directions. It also warned against any further attempts to delay or avoid compliance.
The fine imposed on Baxi is to be paid personally to Braj Kishore Netraheen Balika Vidyalaya, Ranchi, a school for visually impaired girls. The matter will be heard next on June 18, 2026.