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Jharkhand High Court Seeks Replies From JSSC And Home Department Over Jail Vacancies

News18•08-10-2026, 20:00

•The Jharkhand High Court issued show-cause notices to the secretaries of the JSSC and the state home department over the non-compliance of directives to fill vacant jail posts.
•A division bench directed the two secretaries to file replies within a week explaining why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them.
•The court was hearing a PIL regarding the condition of inmates and the implementation of the Model Prison Manual in the state.
•During proceedings, it was revealed that about 81 per cent of sanctioned posts in state jails remain vacant, severely affecting prison administration.
•The High Court rejected the state government's request for an additional six weeks to fill the vacancies, scheduling the next hearing for October 26.

The Jharkhand High Court issued show-cause notices due to alleged non-compliance with its directions to fill vacant posts in state jails.

Around 81 per cent of sanctioned posts at various levels in jails across Jharkhand remain vacant, which affects prison administration.

The matter is scheduled to be heard next on October 26, after the court directed the secretaries to file their replies within a week.