Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Jharkhand High Court Halts Ranchi HEC Anti-Encroachment Drive
The Jharkhand High Court temporarily stopped an eviction drive in Ranchi’s HEC area.
The order applies until December 31.
Officials cannot force residents to leave during this time.
However, residents were told to remove the structures themselves within the allowed period.
The administration had started the drive to clear alleged illegal buildings.
The buildings were on land said to belong to Heavy Engineering Corporation and the Railways.
Local residents protested because they said there were not enough rehabilitation plans.
The court said the action should be delayed because the festive season was approaching.
The Jharkhand High Court directed Ranchi’s administration to halt the anti-encroachment drive in the HEC area until December 31.
The court ordered officials to take no coercive action against settlers during that period.
Settlers were directed to remove the alleged encroachments themselves within the stipulated period.
The drive targeted alleged illegal constructions on land belonging to Heavy Engineering Corporation and the Railways.
Residents protested, alleging that evictions began without adequate rehabilitation arrangements.
- Who
- The Jharkhand High Court, Ranchi district officials, police, and residents facing eviction.
- What
- The court halted coercive anti-encroachment action in the HEC area until December 31, while directing settlers to remove the structures themselves.
- When
- The order was issued on Friday, September 18; the protection from coercive action lasts until December 31.
- Where
- Along HEC Bypass Road in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
- Why
- The court said immediate action should be deferred because of the upcoming festive season; residents had also sought more time and challenged the eviction process.
Residents and Petitioners
District Administration
Eviction timing
Residents and Petitioners
Residents facing eviction sought additional time to remove their structures and asked the court to restrain the administration from continuing the drive.
District Administration
The administration had launched a clearance operation to remove alleged illegal constructions from land belonging to Heavy Engineering Corporation and the Railways.
Rehabilitation
Residents and Petitioners
Protesting residents alleged that the eviction process began without adequate rehabilitation arrangements.
District Administration
The administration proceeded with demolition and eviction proceedings with officials, police personnel, and magistrates; the articles do not state its response to the rehabilitation allegation.
Court’s interim balance
Residents and Petitioners
Residents received protection from coercive action until December 31.
District Administration
Settlers were still directed to remove the alleged encroachments themselves within the stipulated period.
- Court
- Jharkhand High Court
- Location
- HEC Bypass Road, Ranchi
- Deadline
- December 31
- Targeted land
- Land belonging to Heavy Engineering Corporation and the Railways
- Action suspended
- Anti-encroachment drive and coercive eviction measures
- Residents’ concern
- Evictions allegedly began without adequate rehabilitation arrangements
- Administrative officials
- Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri and Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Ranjan