Jharkhand News : The Jharkhand High Court has delivered a major ruling on decades-long illegal construction on land belonging to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi. The court has ordered the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to conduct a criminal investigation against civic bodies and regulatory officials who allegedly allowed unauthorized constructions on land acquired for RIMS in 1964–65.
A division bench of Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad directed the ACB to register an FIR and probe the role of officials from the revenue department, circle offices, municipal corporation, and RERA. The court also ordered departmental action against guilty officers and cautioned that a CBI probe may be ordered if required. The matter will be heard next on January 6.
Encroachment Removal Order Upheld
Earlier, on December 3, the High Court had ordered the removal of encroachments within 72 hours, making it clear that no private ownership can exist on land acquired for RIMS.
Land Acquired in 1964–65, Yet Illegal Constructions Allowed
The court noted that the land was acquired under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, compensation was paid, and ownership vested completely with the state. Despite this, illegal registrations, mutations, rent receipts, non-encumbrance certificates, building plan approvals, and even RERA clearances were allegedly granted, enabling large-scale construction inside the RIMS campus.
Encroachment Exposed After PIL
The issue surfaced during a Public Interest Litigation pending since 2018. Following court directions, Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) Member Secretary Kumari Ranjana Asthana confirmed encroachment on nearly seven acres of RIMS land. The report revealed temples, shops, multi-storey residential buildings, apartments, huts, parks, and commercial establishments built illegally, affecting hospital services—especially posing safety and hygiene risks near the girls’ hostel.
Compensation Not from Public Funds
The court ruled that affected residents may be compensated, but not from the public exchequer. Instead, compensation must be recovered from erring officials and builders. The court also expressed concern over banks that approved home loans on government land without due diligence and ordered an internal inquiry into the inaction of RIMS management.
Supreme Court Ruling Cited
Rejecting claims that land acquisition had lapsed, the High Court cited the Supreme Court’s Constitution Bench verdict in Indore Development Authority vs Manoharlal, stating that once compensation is paid, acquisition cannot be deemed lapsed.
Ownership Claims Rejected
Claims based on old land records, rent receipts, sale deeds, building approvals, and CNT permissions were dismissed. The court held that after compensation payment, no revenue or municipal authority has the power to confer rights over the acquired land.
