This state was carved out of Bihar in the year 2000, but they have put together a robust and systematic judicial system over the years. The primary basis of this structure is the Jharkhand High Court, which is the highest court in the state of Jharkhand. In addition District court and civil court are too present for each district in the state which are also helpful in maintaining law and order in providing justice to the public.
In this article, we will discuss in detail about the judicial system of Jharkhand, major courts, the role of judicial officers and ways to make access to justice easier for the common people.
Jharkhand High Court: The Supreme Court of the state
The Jharkhand High Court for Jharkhand state was created only on November 15, 2000, when it was carved out of Bihar state. Being situated in the capital Ranchi, this is the supreme court of the state which deals with the judicial issues of the state.
They are also involved in delivering justice on constitutional, administrative and public interest litigation besides civil and criminal cases. It is one of the highest courts in the state and where a litigant is dissatisfied with the judgment of the district courts then the litigant will appeal to the high courts.
As on today the chief justice of Jharkhand High Court is Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao who has joined on 25/09/2024. He has always been working for judicial renovation and timely justice for the people in the court.
Judicial Officer: The backbone of the justice system
Judicial officers are the basic pillars of the judicial system of any state. Their job is to deliver justice impartially and correctly according to the law. Judicial officers in Jharkhand are divided into several categories:
- District Judges: They work in the largest court of the district and hear serious criminal and civil cases.
- Additional District Judges: They assist the District Judge and hear different types of cases.
- Civil Judges (Senior and Junior Division): They look into matters like property, marriage, settlement and domestic disputes.
- Judicial Magistrates: They hear minor criminal cases like theft, assault, fraud etc.
These officers are appointed on the basis of merit and seniority and are transferred from one district to another from time to time.
Major Civil Courts of Jharkhand
Now let’s take a look at the major civil courts of some districts and the judicial officers working there:
1. Civil Court Ranchi
The Civil Court of Ranchi is one of the oldest and important courts in the state. It was established in 1861. There are many buildings in this court complex such as:
- New 40 Court Building
- CBI Court Building
- Many types of cases are dealt with in these buildings.
Key Judicial Officers:
- Mr. Diwakar Pandey – Judicial Commissioner
- Mrs. Sanjita Shrivastava – Additional Chief Judge, Family Court
- Mr. Amit Shekhar – Special Judge, MP/MLA Court, Fast Track Court (Women Crimes), Electricity Act
- Mr. Manish Ranjan – Special Judge (SC/ST, Cyber Crime, Drugs & Cosmetics Act)
All these officers ensure that every case gets a fair hearing and justice is not delayed.
2. Civil Court Jamtara
Jamtara, which is known for its historical importance, had a civil court on 1st October 2001. It was started by Hon’ble Justice Mr. S.J. Mukhopadhyay (then Judge of Jharkhand High Court).
Key officials:
- Mr. Radha Krishna – Principal District and Sessions Judge
- Mr. Rajesh Kumar-I – Principal Family Judge
- Mr. Santosh Kumar-II – Additional Sessions Judge, Fast Track Court
- Mr. Mohammad Taufiq Ahmed – Civil Judge (Senior Division)
- Ms. Khushboo Tyagi – SDJM & JJB Principal Magistrate
This court not only resolves family matters but also hears crimes against women and children, property disputes and other criminal cases.
3. Civil Court Hazaribagh
Hazaribagh district is also very important from the judicial point of view. The structure of the court here is so strong that different types of cases are dealt with smoothly by different judges.
Key Officers:
- Shri Ranjit Kumar – Principal District & Sessions Judge
- Shri Martand Pratap Mishra – Principal Family Judge
- Shri Omkar Nath Choudhary – Special Judge (Rape, RTI, Child Rights, Commercial Matters, MP/MLA)
- Smt. Asha Devi Bhatt – Special Judge (Electricity Act, Drugs & Cosmetics Act, ACB)
- Smt. Kashika M. Prasad – Special Judge (Women Crimes, SC/ST Act)
The main objective of these officers is that there should be no bias in any case and justice should be delivered on time.
Special Courts and Tribunals
Some special courts and tribunals are also working in Jharkhand which deal with special types of cases:
- Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT): Compensation cases related to road accidents
- Commercial Courts: Legal problems related to business
- SC/ST Special Courts: Crimes against Scheduled Castes/Tribes
- Cyber Crime Courts: Cases like online fraud, hacking, data theft
- These courts settle special cases quickly and with expertise.
Role of Judicial Commissioner
Judicial Commissioner is an important post. This officer monitors the judicial process of the entire district, evaluates the work of other judges and gives recommendations to the judges.
The responsibility of allocation of cases and bringing transparency in the working style of the court also lies on this post.
Access to justice and digital facility
In today’s digital age, the judicial system of Jharkhand has also adopted the online system. Common citizens can now see court related information online, such as:
- Next date of the case
- Case status
- List of judges
- Court timings and location
- Some important portals:
- Official website of Jharkhand High Court
Ranchi Civil Court:
These portals help the common people a lot and they do not need to go to the court again and again to inquire.
Conclusion:
The judicial system of Jharkhand may be new, but it is becoming more organized and effective day by day. From the High Court to the district level courts, judicial officers at every level are working with full honesty so that every citizen can get timely and fair justice.
If you ever need any legal assistance or require information about your rights, the courts of Jharkhand and their online platforms are ready to help you.