Patna High Court
Priya Ranjan DasversusThe State of Bihar
- Decided
- Disposal
- DISPOSED
- Bench
- RAJIV ROY
Holding
The petition is disposed, permitting the petitioner to approach the Collector of Banka to initiate the enquiry.
Summary
The petitioner, Priya Ranjan Das, filed a writ petition seeking a mandamus directing the State of Bihar officials, particularly the Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary, to initiate a high‑level enquiry into alleged misconduct by officers of the Banka Anchal Office, based on a complaint dated 09‑10‑2023. The petitioner specifically requested that the Collector of Banka examine the grievance against the Circle Officer. The State counsel raised no objection to the petitioner's revised relief. The Court considered whether a writ of mandamus could be issued to compel the Collector to order an enquiry. It held that the petitioner may approach the Collector, who is the appropriate authority to notice the parties and conduct the enquiry. Consequently, the petition was disposed, allowing the petitioner to agitate the matter before the Collector, who is directed to take the matter to its logical conclusion promptly.
Issues considered
- What is the appropriate remedy for a grievance against a Circle Officer under the administrative hierarchy?
- Can a writ of mandamus be issued to compel the Collector to initiate an enquiry?
Subjects
- writ of mandamus
- administrative law
- public officer grievance
- high court jurisdiction
- enquiry
Judgment
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA
Civil Writ Jurisdiction Case No.2561 of 2026
======================================================
Priya Ranjan Das Son of Late Sita Ram Das, Resident of Village- Mukheria,
Police Station- By Pass (Jagdishpur), P.O- Khutaha, District- Bhagalpur,
State- Bihar- 812005. At present- Flat No. 6G, ANN Tower, RBSS Road,
Bhikhanpur, Police Station- Ishakchak, P.O.- H.P.O. Bhagalpur, State- Bihar-
812001.
... ... Petitioner/s
Versus
1. The State of Bihar.
2. The Chief Secretary, Govt. of Bihar, Patna.
3. The Principal Secretary, Revenue and Land Reform Department, Govt. of
Bihar, Patna.
4. The Commissioner, Bhagalpur Division, Bhagalpur.
5. The District Magistrate, Banka.
6. The Deputy Collector Land Reforms, Banka.
7. The Anchal Adhikari, Anchal Banka, District- Banka.
8. The Revenue Officer, Anchal Banka, District- Banka.
... ... Respondent/s
======================================================
Appearance :
For the Petitioner/s : Mr. Dr. Manoj Kumar, Advocate
For the Respondent/s : Mr. Ramadhar Singh, GP-25
======================================================
CORAM: HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE RAJIV ROY
ORAL ORDER
2 16-02-2026 Heard the parties.
2. The present petition has been preferred for the
following relief(s):
“for issuance of an appropriate
writ/writs, order/orders, direction/directions in the
nature of writ of mandamus commanding upon the
concerned respondents specially respondent Nos. 2
and 3 to take appropriate action by initiating high
Patna High Court CWJC No.2561 of 2026(2) dt.16-02-2026
2/2
level enquiry against responsible officers of Banka
Anchal Office in the light of application/compliant
dated 09.10.2023 in the interest of justice.”
3. After some arguments, learned counsel for the
petitioner submits that it will suffice if the Collector, Banka
(respondent no. 5) looks into the matter and pass necessary
order as he has grievance against the respondent no. 7, the
Circle Officer, Banka.
4. Learned State counsel has no objection to it.
5. In that background, the writ petition stands
disposed of allowing the petitioner to agitate the matter before
the respondent no. 5, the Collector, Banka who shall be noticing
the parties and shall take the matter to its logical conclusion at
an earliest.
(Rajiv Roy, J)
Adnan/-
U
Checking your session…