Jitendra Singh v. The State Of Bihar

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA

Civil Writ Jurisdiction Case No.11297 of 2026 ====================================================== Jitendra Singh son of Bali Ram Singh, Resident of village-Sonahar, PoliceStation-Sheo Sagar, District-Rohtas. ... ... Petitioner/s

Versus

1.

The State of Bihar through the Chief Secretary, Government of Bihar, old Secretariat, Patna-1.

2.

The Director, Directorate of Fisheries, Government of Bihar, Vikash Bhawan, 2nd Floor, New Secretariat, Nehru Path, Patna-15. 3.

The Divisional Commissioner, Patna Division, Patna. 4.

The District Magistrate cum Collector, Rohtas. 5.

The Deputy Director of Fisheries, Patna Range, Vidya Pati Marg, Patna-1. 6.

The District Fisheries Officer-cum-Chief Executive Officer, Sasaram, Rohtas.

7.

The Circle Officer, Sheo Sagar, Rohtas, Sasaram ... ... Respondent/s ====================================================== Appearance :

For the Petitioner/s :

Mr. Vijay Kumar, Advocate For the Respondent/s :

Mr. Manoj Kumar Ambastha, SC-26 Mr. Subodh Kumar, AC to SC-26 ====================================================== CORAM: HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE RAJIV ROY ORAL ORDER 28-07-2026 Heard the parties.

2. The present petition has been preferred for the following relief(s):

"Issuance of an appropriate writ/writs/direction/directions/order/orders to quash the Letter No. 818.. Matsya/Rohtas, dated 27.06.2026 issued by the District Fisheries Officercum-Chief Executive Officer, Rohtas (Sasaram) by which the petitioner is directed to deposit

Patna High Court CWJC No.11297 of 2026(2) dt.28-07-2026 2/3 settlement revenue Rs.250000.00 for the settlement year 2025-26 within a period of 2 days from the receipt of this letter.

(b). To grant such other relief/reliefs as the petitioner May be found entitled to in the facts and circumstances of the case."

3. The matter relates to Sonahar Jalkar (27.61 Acre) which was settled in favour of the petitioner by an open bid.

4. The contention is that some of the part of the said jalkar has been encroached by the locals, and thus, they are not having complete fishing rights over the jalkar settled and this was informed to the respondents.

5. Learned counsel for the State, on the other hand, submits that despite repeated letter issued on 02.07.2025, 31.10.2025 and 17.03.2026, the petitioner tried to look the other way and in the meantime, they are continuing with the fishing.

6. Having heard the parties, this Court is of the opinion that when the petitioner is continuing with the fishing in the jalkar, he should first make the payment of Rs. 2,50,000/- by 14th of August, 2026, and thereafter, both the District Fisheries Officer, Rohtas at Sasaram as also the Circle Officer, Sheo Sagar, Rohtas, Sasaram shall look into the grievance of the

Patna High Court CWJC No.11297 of 2026(2) dt.28-07-2026 3/3 petitioner and visit the spot alongwith him/inspect and do the needful. If there is any encroachment by the locals, when it has been settled with the petitioner, it has to be removed.

7. However, this is subject to payment of Rs. 2,50,000/- by the petitioner to show his bona fide.

8. Failure to do so, the respondents shall take steps for cancellation of the settlement in accordance with law.

9. With the aforesaid observation, the writ petition stands disposed of.

(Rajiv Roy, J) Adnan/- U