Jharkhand High Court Orders No Coercive Action Against Advocate In Road Accident Cross-FIR
The Jharkhand High Court has granted interim protection to Advocate Manoj Tandon, who is accused in cross-FIRs arising out of a road accident incident in Ranchi, and stayed further proceedings in the case while observing that both cross-cases arising out of the same occurrence must be investigated by a single investigating officer.
A Single Judge Bench of Justice Sanjay Kumar Dwivedi was hearing the matter filed by the advocate, who alleged police harassment in connection with Doranda P.S. Case Nos. 51 and 52 of 2026 registered under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The petitioner also sought transfer of investigation to an independent agency, including the CBI or NIA, citing apprehensions of bias and improper investigation.
The petitioner submitted that the incident arose out of a minor road accident on 17 February 2026, when his car slightly touched a motorcycle while he was on his way to the High Court, following which he was allegedly detained at Doranda Police Station for several hours and his car was seized without preparation of a seizure memo. He further alleged that cross-cases had been assigned to different investigating officers, and that he apprehended arrest at any time.
Taking note of the submissions, the High Court observed that cross-cases arising out of the same occurrence ought to be investigated by the same investigating officer, and further remarked that the Court must intervene when such issues affecting fairness of investigation are brought before it. Observing that the High Court is duty-bound to rise to the occasion in such matters, it noted:
“In view of above, the federal structure of our Constitution of India cannot be allowed to be destroyed and it is a duty of the High Court that once such type of matter is brought to the knowledge of the Court, the High Court is required to rise to the occasion.”Bottom of Form
Thus, the High Court directed stay of further proceedings in the cross-cases registered against the petitioner and granted interim protection from coercive action. The Court ordered that no coercive steps shall be taken against the petitioner and stayed further proceedings, including investigation, in connection with Doranda P.S. Case Nos. 51 and 52 of 2026, pending before the court of the Judicial Magistrate First Class-XIII, Ranchi.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on 24 March 2026.
Title: Manoj Tandon v. State of Jharkhand Through Director General of Police
Case Number: W.P.(Cr.) Filing No.4238 of 2026
Appearance: Mrs. Ritu Kumar, Mr. A.K. Kashyap, Mr. Rajendra Krishna, Mr. Abhay Kumar Mishra, Mr. Siddharth Ranjan, Ms. Akansha Priya, Mr. Piyush Kumar Roy, Mr. Amritansh Vats, and Mr. Karamjit Singh Chhabra appeared for the Petitioner. Mr. Deepankar appeared for the State. Mr. Kumar Vaibhav appeared for the Union of India. Ms. Shivani Jaluka appeared for the CBI.