3 min readNew DelhiApr 3, 2026 08:00 AM ISTJharkhand High Court passed a slew of directions on the PIL. (Image generated using AI)Observing that burn injuries are not merely a clinical trauma but a significant public health crisis in India, the Jharkhand High Court recently issued a series of time-bound directions to the state to ensure the availability of specialised burn care facilities.The bench of Chief Justice M S Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar passed the directions on a public interest litigation arising out of a 2021 kerosene fire tragedy in Hazaribagh that claimed four lives, including a two-year-old child, and left several others with severe burn injuries and permanent disfigurement.“Burn injury is not merely a clinical trauma; rather, it is a significant public health crisis in India, which carries the highest mortality and disability burden in the world,” the bench observed. A bench of Chief Justice M S Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar passed the directions on April 1.PILThe petition was instituted in the backdrop of an incident allegedly caused due to the use of highly inflammable kerosene supplied through the public distribution system in Hazaribagh. The petitioner had pointed out to the court that certain injured persons were admitted in general wards and required urgent transfer to dedicated burn units or to higher medical centres such as Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi.The petitioner also alleged that essential medicines were not readily available at the Sadar Hospital, Hazaribagh, and had to be procured from outside sources.It was contended by the petitioner that despite approaching the concerned authorities, including the hospital administration and district officials, no effective or timely action was taken to ensure proper treatment for the victims or to address their grievances.The court said that legal heirs of the victim can approach the jurisdictional court for grant of compensation and if they are unable to make such application then the secretary, district legal services authority, Hazaribagh, has been directed to take appropriate steps to identify such victims and facilitate the filing of applications.Story continues below this adWhile the petitioner’s initial grievances were rooted in the specific tragedy at Hazaribagh, the court observed that the proceedings in the matter brought to light a much larger, systemic deficiency.The court noted that the right to health under Article 21 is a positive mandate that requires the state to provide specialised, time-sensitive medical infrastructure, particularly for burn trauma.Also Read | Jharkhand High Court slams ‘lethargic attitude’ of police after 12-year-old’s rape and murder, takes suo motu cognisanceDirectionsApart from the directions given above, the court directed that the state implementation committee or state monitoring committee shall be made operational and functional forthwith. It further added that if such a committee has not yet been constituted, the state government shall ensure its constitution within four weeks.The court ordered that the said committee, headed by the principal secretary (health), shall function as the State-level supervisory body to oversee the implementation of the directions, including review of infrastructure, manpower and the operational status of burn units across the state.Story continues below this adIt added that the committee will meet at least once every three months to ensure that deficiencies, if any, are identified and addressed within the stipulated time frame.Ashish Shaji is a Senior Sub-Editor at The Indian Express, where he specializes in legal journalism. Combining a formal education in law with years of editorial experience, Ashish provides authoritative coverage and nuanced analysis of court developments and landmark judicial decisions for a national audience. Expertise Legal Core Competency: Ashish is a law graduate (BA LLB) from IME Law College, CCSU. This academic foundation allows him to move beyond surface-level reporting, offering readers a deep-dive into the technicalities of statutes, case law, and legal precedents. Specialized Legal Reporting: His work at The Indian Express focuses on translating the often-dense proceedings of India's top courts into clear, actionable news. His expertise includes: Judicial Analysis: Breaking down complex orders from the Supreme Court and various High Courts. Legal Developments: Monitoring legislative changes and their practical implications for the public and the legal fraternity. Industry Experience: With over 5 years in the field, Ashish has contributed to several niche legal and professional platforms, honing his ability to communicate complex information. His previous experience includes: Lawsikho: Gaining insights into legal education and practical law. 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