Jharkhand to form joint panel with Centre amid conflicting reports
Key Points:
• High Court directs formation of fact-finding committee on infiltration
• State and Centre to meet by October 1 to discuss committee formation
• Government statements on infiltration show discrepancies, court notes
JAMSHEDPUR – The Jharkhand High Court has mandated the creation of a joint committee to investigate Bangladeshi infiltration in the state, addressing concerns over conflicting official reports.
The Jharkhand High Court’s recent order to establish a fact-finding committee on Bangladeshi infiltration has sparked debate.
The decision came from a bench led by former Chief Justice Sanjay Mishra and Justice Anand Sen.
They instructed both state and central governments to collaborate on this issue.
The court will oversee the selection of committee members.
A meeting between state and central authorities must occur before October 1 to discuss the committee’s formation.
Advocate Rajiv Kumar, representing the petitioner, highlighted the state’s initial agreement to form a committee.
However, the government later retracted this decision, raising eyebrows.
The court order pointed out conflicting statements from government officials regarding infiltration.
In one instance, a Deputy Commissioner denied any infiltration in Santal districts.
Conversely, the state acknowledged ongoing infiltration in other statements.
These discrepancies prompted the court to take decisive action.
Addressing Legal Arguments
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal represented the state government during the hearing.
He argued that confusion existed regarding infiltration data.
Sibal suggested the matter had been politicized.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued for the Central Government.
He insisted that the Centre’s affidavit provided complete information on infiltration.
Mehta emphasized the need for a fact-finding committee to identify infiltrators accurately.
The court dismissed the notion of it being a political issue.
It stressed that infiltration was a serious concern requiring structured investigation.
State’s Response and Future Steps
Advocate General Rajiv Ranjan stated the government’s intention to challenge the order.
They plan to appeal in the Supreme Court.
"The State government is not in favour of constituting a fact-finding committee," Ranjan declared.
The next hearing is scheduled for October 1.
It will focus on steps for forming the fact-finding committee.
Discussions between state and central governments will be closely monitored.
The court’s decision marks a significant development in addressing Bangladeshi infiltration in Jharkhand.
