High Court Stays Local Authorities’ Demarcation Powers

The authority of Circle Officers to measure and demarcate private lands has been suspended following a directive from the Jharkhand High Court. Justice Ananda Sen’s bench has put a temporary halt on these activities, suggesting that the proper channel for resolving land boundary disagreements is the filing of a civil suit. The court highlighted that administrative offices and police stations are not the appropriate venues for settling complex property disputes. During the proceedings, the court expressed concerns over the delegation of judicial functions to administrative officers, noting that such practices might have been based on cabinet decisions rather than legislative acts. The court has suggested that for technical accuracy and legal validity, the appointment of Survey Knowing Pleader Commissioners should be considered. This stay order will remain in effect for at least six weeks as the court awaits a detailed explanation from the state government.