NEW DELHI: The Jharkhand High Court has vacated its earlier interim order that halted the investigation into the death of a protester outside Bokaro Steel Plant, directing that the probe must now continue to its logical end.
The case stems from a peaceful protest on April 3, 2025, where nearly 1,500 people had gathered outside the Bokaro Steel Plant gates.
According to the FIR filed by informant Viru Mahto, father of deceased protester Prem Prasad, CISF personnel resorted to a lathi-charge at the behest of senior plant officials, leading to his son’s death.
On June 10, Justice Ananda Sen of the Jharkhand Jharkhand HC granted interim relief to the plant officials — then Director Incharge and Executive Director (P&A) — by restraining police from investigating FIR No. 64/2025 and barring coercive steps against them.
This prompted Gomti Devi, mother of the deceased, to move the Supreme Court. On August 18, a Bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih allowed her impleadment in the Jharkhand HC proceedings and directed that pleadings be completed by September 10, with the matter preferably decided by month-end.
The apex court clarified that the ₹15 lakh compensation already paid by Bokaro Steel Plant to the victim’s father would not affect the merits of the case.
When the matter returned to the Jharkhand HC, Justice Ambuj Nath, on September 9, vacated the earlier stay and directed the investigating agency to proceed with the probe in FIR No. 64/2025.
He observed that since there were “case and counter case” versions — with the plant officials also filing FIR No. 69/2025 alleging mob violence — it was necessary to investigate thoroughly to establish the true genesis of the incident and fix accountability.
The writ petitions have now been listed for final hearing on September 18, when the plea to quash the FIR against Bokaro Steel Plant officials will be considered. Meanwhile, the Jharkhand HC has protected the petitioners in the counter-case (FIR No. 69/2025) from arrest until the next date of hearing.
The case has triggered public attention, as it highlights the clash between industrial authority and citizens’ right to protest, with both sides alleging violence and misuse of power. A final ruling from the Jharkhand HC is expected later this month.
