Relief for State Government Amid Safety Concerns Ahead of April 6 Celebrations
New Delhi, April 4 — In a significant relief for the Jharkhand government, the Supreme Court on Friday permitted authorities to temporarily cut power supply along Ram Navami procession routes to prevent electrocution incidents.The decision came after the state challenged a Jharkhand High Court order dated April 3, which prohibited power shutdowns during religious festivities. A bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, along with Justices Sanjay Kumar and K.V. Viswanathan, heard the urgent plea filed by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-led government.
Preventive Action Cited from Past Tragedy
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Jharkhand, argued that the state has followed this precautionary practice since a tragic incident in April 2000, when 28 people were electrocuted during a religious procession. Highlighting the safety rationale behind the measure, Sibal noted that devotees often carry tall flags and structures that can come dangerously close to overhead power lines.He also referenced a stampede that occurred during a previous Ram Navami procession, stressing the urgency and importance of preventing further disasters.
Supreme Court Modifies High Court Order
Taking into account the state’s long-standing safety mechanism, the apex court modified the high court's directive, allowing limited-duration power cuts restricted to the designated procession routes.“How can people survive?” Chief Justice Khanna questioned, showing concern for public safety. The bench instructed the Jharkhand government to:
- Limit power outages strictly to procession timings and routes
- Ensure uninterrupted power supply to hospitals and emergency services
- Submit an undertaking to the Jharkhand High Court by noon on April 5, specifying the minimum period of planned power cuts
High Court’s Earlier Restrictions and State’s Response
The Jharkhand High Court had taken suo motu cognisance of complaints about power outages during the Sarhul festival on April 1. It barred any shutdowns during festive processions and ordered the state to set limits on the height of flags, poles, and movable structures used in such events.In its plea, the state expressed difficulty in implementing these directives at short notice, particularly with Ram Navami falling on April 6.
The government clarified that its power cut policy is:
- Controlled and pre-planned
- Coordinated with local administration and JBVNL
- Publicly notified in advance
- Excludes essential services such as Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) and other critical institutions