The Jharkhand High Court on Wednesday refused to lift the ongoing ban on the allotment of sand and minor minerals across the state, maintaining that the restriction will continue until the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) PESA Rules are officially notified. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Rajesh Shankar passed the order while hearing a contempt petition filed by Adivasi Budhijeevi Manch, and continued its earlier directive issued on 9th September 2025.
Also Read: Jharkhand High Court Ordered Suspension of All Sand Ghat Auction until PESA Rules Notified
During the hearing, Advocate General Rajiv Ranjan appeared for the State Government and informed the court that the draft rules were under review and the Law Department’s opinion was being sought. The State requested that the court temporarily suspend the ban until the final notification was issued. However, the bench turned down the plea, stating that it would not modify the earlier order at this stage. The court directed the Government to ensure strict adherence to the timeline fixed for the completion of the rule making process.
Also Read: Chief Secretary Ordered Timely and Transparent Sand Ghat Auction Across State
September Order and the Pending Contempt Case
In its 9th September 2025 order, the court had observed that more than 13 months had already passed since its earlier direction and had instructed the Government to place the matter before the Cabinet within two weeks. The contempt petition was filed after the state failed to comply with the 29th July 2024 order directing notification of PESA rules. The bench had also noted that the Government’s response to the show-cause notice indicated no concrete steps towards compliance.
Also Read: Jharkhand High Court Ordered State to Present PESA Rules by 9th October
Next Hearing on October 30
Counsel Abhishek Rai, Gyanant Singh, and Ajit Kumar, representing the petitioners, argued that the delay violated the constitutional intent of extending self-governance to tribal areas. The court, reiterating its earlier stance, said the matter involved adherence to a constitutional mandate rather than an administrative discretion. The next hearing has been scheduled for 30th October 2025, when the State will be expected to report progress on finalising and notifying the PESA rules in Jharkhand.
Also Read: 09th October – Industrial and Political Headlines of Jharkhand
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