The Jharkhand High Court delivered a stern message on Thursday regarding the issue of custodial deaths in the state, labeling them as a grave violation of human rights and a significant failure of constitutional machinery. In a landmark ruling, the court ordered comprehensive judicial inquiries into 262 cases where legal procedures were allegedly overlooked, shedding light on a troubling trend of administrative negligence.

This ruling arose during the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Mohammed Mumtaz Ansari, who brought to the court’s attention the alarming statistics surrounding custodial deaths in Jharkhand. Between 2018 and 2026, the state reported a staggering 427 custodial deaths, which raised serious concerns about the treatment of individuals in police custody.

The division bench, comprising Chief Justice MS Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar, was particularly alarmed to discover that out of these 427 cases, 262 had been investigated by executive magistrates instead of the judicial magistrates mandated by law. The court expressed its shock at this blatant disregard for proper legal protocols, characterizing the situation as “administrative lawlessness.” Such a deviation from established procedures not only undermines the integrity of the legal system but also poses a direct threat to the constitutional rights of individuals.

In its ruling, the bench emphasized the fundamental right to life, describing it not merely as a biological existence but as a comprehensive guarantee that includes the right to live with dignity. “Even individuals accused or convicted of crimes maintain an inalienable right to a dignified life,” the court stated, affirming that the state has a duty to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their circumstances, are treated with respect and humanity.

This judicial intervention highlights a critical need for accountability and reform within the law enforcement system in Jharkhand. The court’s directive for judicial inquiries aims not only to rectify past oversights but also to instill a sense of responsibility among law enforcement agencies to adhere to constitutional mandates. As India navigates the complexities of law and order, the judiciary remains a pivotal guardian of civil liberties, reminding us that justice must prevail, even in the darkest corners of the legal system.