Jharkhand High Court Takes Strong Stand Against Police Inaction in Gumla Case
The Jharkhand High Court delivered a scathing rebuke to the Gumla superintendent of police on Wednesday for failing to take appropriate action in a distressing case involving the assault and witch-branding of a woman in Gumla district. The court was hearing a petition filed by Chandramani Urain, who approached the High Court to seek help in tracing her daughter, who has been missing since 2019.
Court Orders Comprehensive Measures to Address Grievances
In addition to criticizing the police, the court issued several directives to ensure justice and support for the petitioner. It ordered the Jharkhand Legal Services Authority to dispatch a team to Gumla to assist Chandramani Urain in overcoming the difficulties she faces in her village. The bench, comprising Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad and Justice Arun Kumar Rai, further directed the police to intensify efforts to locate the missing minor girl and also recover her Aadhaar card.
The court mandated that the petitioner include the UIDAI director as a party in the case, highlighting the importance of official documentation in such investigations. The case is scheduled for a follow-up hearing on February 12, where progress on these orders will be reviewed.
Background of the Case and Police Lapses
Chandramani Urain initially lodged an FIR in 2019 after her six-year-old daughter disappeared from their village. Despite this formal complaint, the police took no significant steps to recover the child, leading Urain to file a habeas corpus petition before the High Court on September 4, 2025. In her petition, she alleged that her daughter is a victim of human trafficking, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The court's strong reaction stems from the dual issues of police negligence and the social stigma of witch-branding, which remains a serious problem in certain regions. By combining legal pressure with support from the Legal Services Authority, the High Court aims to provide a holistic solution to Urain's plight.
This case underscores the critical role of judicial oversight in ensuring law enforcement accountability and protecting vulnerable individuals from social injustices. The upcoming hearing on February 12 will be closely watched for further developments.
