THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, April 1: The Jharkhand High Court has expressed strong displeasure with the State Government and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) over the continued failure to fill vacant posts in state jails, directing that all vacancies be filled within six months.
Court seeks reply, warns of contempt
The court has asked the Home Secretary and JSSC Secretary to file status reports via affidavits by May 1. It warned that if the reports are not satisfactory, contempt proceedings may be initiated on May 7, the next date of hearing.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice M.S. Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar observed that authorities were not providing accurate information and were instead delaying the process under the pretext of recruitment.
The bench also directed that the affidavits must be filed personally by the officials, cautioning against delegating the task to junior officers.
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81% posts vacant in state jails
The observations were made during the hearing of a suo motu PIL related to jail reforms and the implementation of the Model Jail Manual.
During the proceedings, it was informed that over 81% of posts in Jharkhand jails are vacant, raising serious concerns about prison administration.
The state government and JSSC told the court that the recruitment process is underway, with advertisements issued for posts such as Assistant Jailers, Jail Wardens, and Medical Nursing Staff, and requisitions sought for other vacancies.
Recruitment delay under scrutiny
The court made it clear that delays in recruitment will not be tolerated, noting that repeated assurances without concrete action are inappropriate.
The matter will be heard next on May 7.
