The Chhattisgarh High Court has rejected the bail plea of former Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) Secretary and retired IAS officer Jeevan Kishore Dhruv, who is accused in the alleged 2021 CGPSC recruitment scam and paper leak case.

Dismissing the plea, Justice B.D. Guru observed that leaking question papers of competitive examinations and compromising the future of lakhs of young aspirants is a crime "graver than murder." The court remarked that while murder devastates a single family, a paper leak destroys the trust of an entire generation in the examination system.

Court Makes Strong Observation

The single-judge bench made the observation while refusing interim relief to Dhruv, who has been in judicial custody since September 18, 2025.

According to the court, the integrity of public recruitment examinations is vital for maintaining public confidence in government institutions. Any attempt to manipulate the selection process strikes at the foundation of fairness and meritocracy.

Allegations Against Former Secretary

The case relates to alleged irregularities in the CGPSC 2021 recruitment process, in which former CGPSC Chairman Taman Singh Sonwani, former Secretary Jeevan Kishore Dhruv, and several other officials have been accused of favouring relatives and selected candidates during recruitment.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is probing the case, stated that Dhruv assumed charge as CGPSC Secretary on October 6, 2020, and the recruitment notification for the 2021 examination was issued under his signature.

Investigators allege that he misused his official position to obtain confidential main examination question papers before the examination and passed them on to his son, Sumit Dhruv, who was later selected as a Deputy Collector.

CBI Claims Documentary Evidence

During searches at Dhruv's residence in Bhilai, the CBI reportedly recovered several documents linked to the examination.

According to the agency, investigators found answers to 42 out of 47 questions from the General Studies Paper-VII, along with answer sheets related to the essay paper.

The probe also found that four topics allegedly prepared in advance by Sumit Dhruv—including cryptocurrency, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, development of Dantewada district, and the Chhattisgarh Tonhi Harassment Prevention Act—were among the essay questions asked in the examination.

The CBI has argued that these recoveries, along with witness statements, support allegations of criminal conspiracy and abuse of official position.

Defence Arguments Rejected

Seeking bail, the defence argued that Jeevan Kishore Dhruv had been falsely implicated solely because he served as CGPSC Secretary. It was submitted that his name did not appear in the original FIR and that he had informed the commission in advance about his sons appearing in the examination while recusing himself from confidential work.

The defence also pointed out that the investigation had been completed and the CBI had already filed its charge sheet.

However, the CBI opposed the plea, maintaining that Dhruv occupied a constitutional public office entrusted with safeguarding the confidentiality of the examination process. The agency argued that the evidence collected during investigation was substantial and warranted continued custody.

Background of the CGPSC Recruitment Scam

The alleged scam relates to recruitment examinations conducted by the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission between 2020 and 2022.

Investigators claim that transparency was compromised during written examinations and interviews, enabling candidates linked to politically and administratively influential families to secure appointments to key government posts, including Deputy Collector, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), and other gazetted positions.

The state government later handed over the investigation to the CBI, which has conducted multiple searches and recovered documents forming the basis of the ongoing prosecution.

The 2021 CGPSC recruitment drive was conducted for 171 vacancies. The preliminary examination was held on February 13, 2022, followed by the mains examination between May 26 and May 29, 2022. The final selection list of 170 candidates was published on May 11, 2023.

Investigations into the recruitment process remain underway, while separate financial probes linked to the alleged scam are also being pursued by enforcement agencies.

In a significant ruling reinforcing gender equality, the Chhattisgarh High Court has held that a married sister of an unmarried deceased government employee is equally entitled to compassionate appointment, observing that marriage does not sever a woman's relationship with her parental family.

Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal quashed a state government order dated September 19, 2019, which had denied compassionate appointment to a married woman solely on the ground of her marital status. The court directed the state authorities to reconsider the case and issue a fresh order within four weeks.

Marriage Not Ground for Disqualification

The High Court observed that depriving a married woman of compassionate appointment merely because she is married amounts to gender discrimination and violates the constitutional principles of equality.

The court stated that the traditional assumption that a daughter or sister ceases to be part of her parental family after marriage is outdated and inconsistent with Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution.

It further noted that the purpose of compassionate appointment is to provide immediate financial relief to a bereaved family following the death of its earning member. Therefore, financial dependency and the family's need for assistance—not marital status—should be the determining factors.

Case Background

The case arose after Durgesh Mishra, who was serving as a District Public Prosecutor in Janjgir-Champa, died while in service on June 13, 2018. Mishra was unmarried.

Following his death, his elderly mother, Tara Mishra, applied for compassionate appointment in favour of her daughter, Amita Dubey, under the Chhattisgarh government's 2013 compassionate appointment policy.

However, the Home and General Administration Department rejected the application in September 2019, stating that the policy contained no explicit provision for granting compassionate appointment to a married sister.

Challenging the decision, the family approached the High Court.

Court Relies on Supreme Court Judgments

During the hearing, the petitioners argued that the Supreme Court had already clarified in earlier judgments, including Kulsum Nisha vs State of Uttar Pradesh and Saira Khatoon vs State of Bihar, that marriage alone does not end a daughter's or sister's relationship with her original family.

The petition also pointed out that the state's compassionate appointment policy allows the parents of an unmarried deceased government employee to recommend a sibling for appointment.

The High Court agreed, observing that if a married brother is not excluded from consideration, denying the same benefit to a married sister solely because of her gender and marital status amounts to unconstitutional discrimination.

Changing Social Reality Recognised

The court acknowledged that many married daughters and sisters continue to financially support their parents and families, making the old presumption that marriage permanently shifts all responsibilities away from the parental home legally and socially untenable.

It stressed that compassionate appointment schemes should be interpreted in a manner consistent with constitutional guarantees of equality and changing social realities.

Government Directed to Reconsider

Allowing the petition, the High Court set aside the government's earlier rejection order and instructed the authorities to reconsider Amita Dubey's claim for compassionate appointment in accordance with the applicable rules.

The court directed the state government to complete the exercise and pass a fresh, reasoned order within four weeks.

The Chhattisgarh High Court has taken a stern view of the state government's failure to implement its judgment striking down 100% reservation for women in nursing college teaching posts. The court has issued contempt notices to the State Health Secretary Amit Kataria and Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) Secretary D. Rahul Venkat for allegedly ignoring its directions for nearly three years.

The division bench had earlier declared exclusive reservation for women in nursing college faculty recruitment unconstitutional and directed the state to allow eligible male candidates to participate in the selection process. Despite the ruling, the recruitment process has not been revised, prompting aggrieved candidates to move the High Court through a contempt petition.

Recruitment Rule Challenged

The dispute dates back to December 8, 2021, when the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission issued a recruitment notification for the posts of Demonstrator and Assistant Professor in government nursing colleges.

Under Rule 5 and Schedule-III of the 2013 recruitment rules, only women candidates were permitted to apply, effectively excluding qualified male nursing graduates from the selection process.

Male Candidates Approached High Court

A group of petitioners, including Abhay Kumar Kispotta, Dr. Ajay Tripathi, Elyus Ekka, and Aditya Singh, challenged the recruitment rules before the High Court in 2021.

The petitioners argued that both men and women are admitted to B.Sc. Nursing and M.Sc. Nursing courses without discrimination. Therefore, preventing male candidates from applying for teaching positions after completing the same qualifications violated the constitutional guarantee of equality.

Government Defended Women-Only Policy

During the hearing, the state government defended the policy by arguing that nursing services are largely provided by women and cited Article 15(3) of the Constitution, which allows the state to make special provisions for women and children.

However, the High Court held that reserving 100% of teaching posts exclusively for women was unconstitutional and directed the authorities to modify the recruitment process to include male candidates.

Court Order Yet to Be Implemented

According to the contempt petition, despite the High Court's ruling in March 2023, the Health Department and the Directorate of Medical Education have not amended the recruitment rules or issued a revised advertisement permitting male applicants.

The petition also states that six days after the judgment, on March 15, 2023, the CGPSC Deputy Secretary wrote to the Medical Education Department seeking revised recruitment proposals to proceed with fresh appointments. Despite the communication and subsequent representations by candidates, no corrective action was taken.

Contractual Recruitment Sparks Fresh Dispute

Instead of initiating regular recruitment in compliance with the High Court's order, the Medical Education Department issued a fresh advertisement on June 22, 2026, inviting applications on a contractual basis for the posts of Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, and Demonstrator in government nursing colleges.

The move prompted the petitioners to file a contempt plea, alleging deliberate non-compliance with the court's earlier directions.

Taking note of the allegations, the High Court has now issued contempt notices to the Health Secretary and the CGPSC Secretary. The matter has been listed for further hearing after five weeks, during which the state government is expected to explain why the court's directions remain unimplemented.

The outcome of the case is likely to have significant implications for future recruitment in government nursing colleges and could determine whether male nursing professionals receive equal opportunities in teaching positions across Chhattisgarh.

The Chhattisgarh High Court has directed the authorities to reconsider a married daughter’s application for compassionate appointment, observing that marriage alone cannot automatically establish that she was not dependent on the deceased employee.

Dependency Needs Evidence

The ruling places emphasis on the claimant’s actual financial circumstances rather than a blanket assumption based on marital status. Authorities must examine whether the daughter depended on the deceased family member at the relevant time.

Women’s Rights Dimension

Traditional service rules have often treated married daughters differently from sons or unmarried daughters. Courts have increasingly examined whether such distinctions violate equality when they ignore real economic dependency.

Not Automatic Appointment

The order does not mean every married daughter must receive a government job. Compassionate appointment remains an exception designed to relieve immediate family hardship, and eligibility must still satisfy applicable service rules.

Why Judgment Matters

The decision may guide similar claims in Chhattisgarh and encourage departments to record clear reasons instead of rejecting applications mechanically. It also strengthens the principle that marriage does not erase a woman’s ties or financial dependence on her parental family.

The Chhattisgarh High Court has taken a stern view of the growing number of deaths caused by lightning strikes, exposed electrical wires, and illegal electric fencing across the state. Hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), the court questioned whether public safety measures were limited to official paperwork or were actually being implemented on the ground.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal directed the state government and the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) to explain the concrete steps being taken to prevent such accidents. The court has asked the power utility to submit a comprehensive status report by August 18, the next date of hearing.

Court Questions Delay in Safety Measures

During the hearing, the bench raised concerns over the state's response to recurring electrocution incidents and asked what progress had been made in preparing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) aimed at preventing electrical accidents.

The judges observed that issuing circulars and administrative orders alone would not ensure public safety unless visible improvements were seen on the ground.

The court emphasized that effective implementation, regular monitoring, and accountability were essential to reducing fatalities caused by electrical hazards.

Power Company Files Affidavit

In compliance with the High Court's earlier directions issued on July 6, 2026, the Principal Secretary of the Energy Department and the Managing Director of CSPDCL submitted personal affidavits before the court.

The affidavits revealed that under the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Supply Code, 2011, Clause 5.35 had earlier made it mandatory for low-tension electricity consumers to submit a licensed contractor's wiring test report before obtaining a new power connection or after completing electrical wiring.

However, the power company informed the court that this mandatory requirement had been withdrawn through an order issued on March 2, 2026, a development that drew attention during the proceedings.

High-Level Committee Formed

The state government informed the court that a high-level committee had been constituted on July 20, 2026, to prepare a comprehensive SOP for preventing electrical accidents and improving public safety.

The committee includes senior CSPDCL officials along with the state's Electrical Inspector. It has been tasked with developing safety protocols, identifying risk factors, and recommending preventive measures to reduce electrocution-related incidents.

Illegal Electric Fencing Among Major Causes

According to the affidavit submitted by CSPDCL, a significant number of electrocution deaths occur due to:

• Illegal electrification of farm and boundary fencing.
• Construction work carried out without minimum electrical safety standards.
• Unsafe electrical installations.
• Exposure to live wires during maintenance and unauthorized connections.

The company stated that it has designated senior officials and regional Additional Chief Engineers as Electrical Safety Officers in accordance with the Central Electricity Authority Safety Regulations, 2023, and provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003.

Awareness Campaigns Underway

CSPDCL also informed the court that awareness campaigns and workshops are being organized across rural and urban areas to educate people about safe electricity usage and discourage illegal power connections, commonly known as "hooking."

Officials said these initiatives aim to improve public awareness regarding electrical hazards while encouraging compliance with safety standards.

High Court Seeks Accountability

Despite these assurances, the High Court observed that forming committees and issuing directions would not be sufficient unless measurable action was visible on the ground.

The bench directed the Principal Secretary of the Energy Department and the Managing Director of CSPDCL to submit a detailed report explaining:

• The progress made by the committee formed on July 20.
• The status of the proposed Standard Operating Procedure.
• Measures taken to strengthen electrical infrastructure.
• Steps adopted for regular inspection and maintenance.
• Efforts to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations across the state.

The matter will now be heard on August 18, when the court is expected to review the implementation of the proposed safety measures and the state's preparedness to prevent further electrocution and lightning-related fatalities.

The case relates to the death of a woman from the Kartala police station area who was found hanging inside her home on January 30, 2018.

While delivering the verdict, Justice N.K. Vyas observed that the victim had been subjected to continuous harassment and intimidation by the accused, leaving her with no practical alternative except to take the extreme step of ending her life. The court held that the circumstances and evidence on record established a direct link between the accused's conduct and the victim's suicide.

According to the prosecution, the woman had gone to sleep after dinner on the night of January 29, 2018. The following morning, her mother discovered her hanging from a scarf tied to a pipe inside the room.

During the investigation, police recovered a mobile phone and a suicide note. Based on the complaint lodged by the victim's mother, a case was registered against Mohammad Seraj.

Investigators later alleged that the accused was in a one-sided relationship and repeatedly pressured the woman to marry him. When she refused, he allegedly continued to pursue her, threaten her and harass both her and her family members.

Court records indicated that the alleged harassment had continued for an extended period before the woman's death.

The prosecution also presented evidence suggesting that the victim had previously attempted suicide in May 2017 by slashing her wrist. She was taken to hospital and received medical treatment. The case further revealed the emotional strain experienced by the family, with the victim's mother reportedly consuming sleeping pills due to stress arising from the situation.

According to evidence presented before the court, local village representatives and police officials had earlier attempted to intervene and counsel the accused, but the alleged harassment did not stop.

The case initially took a different turn when a sessions court in Korba acquitted the accused in January 2019.

At the time, the trial court cited insufficient evidence and noted that the handwriting in the alleged suicide note had not been verified by a handwriting expert. It also held that there was inadequate proof to establish direct instigation for suicide.

The acquittal was subsequently challenged before the High Court.

While reviewing the matter, the High Court disagreed with the reasoning adopted by the lower court. Justice Vyas observed that the trial court had failed to properly appreciate the testimony of the victim's mother and had placed undue emphasis on the absence of independent witnesses.

The High Court reiterated a long-established legal principle that the quality of evidence is more important than the quantity of witnesses.

The court further held that strong oral testimony, supported by medical evidence and the overall circumstances of the case, was sufficient to establish the accused's role. It concluded that the absence of expert handwriting verification alone could not undermine the prosecution's case when other evidence pointed towards sustained harassment.

As a result, the High Court convicted Mohammad Seraj under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with abetment of suicide.

The judgment is being viewed as an important reminder of the legal consequences of prolonged harassment, intimidation and coercive behaviour, particularly in cases involving unwanted relationships and marriage pressure.

The matter will now move to the sentencing stage.

The High Court has scheduled a hearing on July 27 to determine the quantum of punishment. The convicted individual or his legal representative has been directed to remain present before the court during the proceedings.

The final sentence will be decided after hearing arguments from both sides regarding mitigating and aggravating circumstances in the case.

In a significant ruling on disaster relief compensation, the Chhattisgarh High Court has held that a person who dies after falling from a tree during a storm or severe weather conditions is entitled to compensation under the state's natural disaster relief policy.

Setting aside an order of the Revenue Department that had denied relief, the court directed the state government to pay an ex gratia compensation of ₹4 lakh to the deceased's family within 30 days.

The judgment was delivered by Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal of the Chhattisgarh High Court in a case arising from Mohla area of Rajnandgaon district.

Family Challenged Rejection of Compensation

The case was filed by Amar Singh, whose father, Shyamuram Mandavi, died on July 16, 2020, while collecting lac from a tree.

According to the petition, Shyamuram was working atop the tree when a sudden storm, accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds, caused him to lose balance and fall. He sustained fatal injuries in the accident.

Following the incident, police completed all legal formalities, including the inquest and post-mortem examination.

Revenue Department Had Denied Relief

Amar Singh later applied for compensation under the state's natural disaster relief policy, seeking the prescribed assistance of ₹4 lakh.

Based on the inquiry, the Naib Tehsildar recommended that compensation be granted. However, the Additional Collector rejected the claim on February 1, 2021, stating that death caused by falling from a tree was not covered under the Revenue Book Circular (RBC) provisions governing natural disaster relief.

The rejection prompted the petitioner to approach the High Court.

Court Interprets Disaster Relief Policy

During the hearing, the High Court referred to Clause 6 of the Revenue Book Circular (RBC) issued on June 9, 2015.

The court observed that deaths resulting from natural events such as storms, cyclones, floods and similar adverse weather conditions qualify as deaths caused by natural disasters. Therefore, relief cannot be denied merely because the immediate cause of death was a fall from a tree if the fall itself resulted from severe weather.

Justice Agrawal held that Shyamuram Mandavi's death was not an ordinary accident but occurred directly because of the storm and heavy rainfall, bringing it within the ambit of the state's disaster relief policy.

High Court Orders Compensation

Quashing the Additional Collector's order, the High Court directed the Chhattisgarh government to release ₹4 lakh as ex gratia assistance to the deceased's son within 30 days.

The ruling is expected to provide clarity in similar cases where fatalities occur due to the indirect effects of natural calamities, ensuring that affected families are not denied compensation solely because of the immediate manner in which the death occurred.

The Chhattisgarh High Court has expressed strong displeasure over an affidavit submitted by the state Health and Family Welfare Department in connection with a public interest litigation (PIL) highlighting poor infrastructure and inadequate medical facilities at the Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS), Bilaspur.

During the hearing, Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha observed that large portions of the affidavit appeared repetitive and suggested it may have been prepared using artificial intelligence (AI). The court remarked that while the document looked well-structured, it failed to address the actual conditions prevailing at the government hospital.

The division bench noted that if the hospital's systems were functioning properly, the matter would not have reached the High Court. It cautioned the authorities against presenting paperwork that does not reflect the ground reality and stressed that the court expects factual and transparent submissions rather than attempts to create a misleading impression.

The court also remarked that ensuring proper healthcare facilities for patients should remain the administration's primary objective, adding that timely treatment for those in need would earn genuine public goodwill.

Inspection Reports Highlight Deficiencies

The observations came during the hearing of an ongoing PIL concerning the condition of CIMS. The court referred to inspection reports submitted by court commissioners following visits conducted in March and April this year.

According to the reports, the hospital continues to face significant infrastructure issues. Water leakage was observed in several sections of the building, with portions of the hospital reportedly flooded following recent rains. The commissioners also pointed out that the hospital's fire-fighting system had remained non-functional for an extended period, raising concerns over patient safety.

In response, the state government informed the bench that repair work on the fire safety system had been initiated after work orders were issued on June 15, 2026. Officials submitted that restoration work is currently underway.

Procurement of Medical Equipment Underway

The Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation Limited (CGMSC) also submitted a separate affidavit detailing the procurement status of advanced medical equipment for CIMS.

The affidavit stated that the hospital is in the process of acquiring 31 advanced medical machines. Of these, 13 have already been delivered to the institution. Purchase orders for two additional machines were issued in June, while approvals are being processed for two high-value equipment purchases.

The government further informed the court that two machines are currently undergoing technical demonstrations before financial bids are opened. Evaluation of bids for two other machines is in progress, while bids for six more machines are scheduled to be opened on July 9.

Court Focuses on Better Healthcare

The High Court clarified that the purpose of the proceedings is not to initiate punitive action against officials but to improve healthcare services and infrastructure at CIMS.

The bench observed that court commissioners are free to conduct inspections whenever necessary to verify the implementation of the government's claims. It stressed that improvements must be visible on the ground rather than remaining confined to official records.

The court concluded that patients visiting a government hospital deserve timely treatment, functional equipment and safe infrastructure, emphasizing that meaningful reforms—not paperwork—will ultimately restore public confidence in the healthcare system.

Taking suo motu cognisance of the recent electrocution deaths of a former village sarpanch and her two sons in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur district, the Chhattisgarh High Court has sought detailed affidavits from the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) and the state Energy Department regarding measures to prevent such incidents.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal treated media reports on the incident as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and directed the Managing Director of CSPDCL and the Principal Secretary of the Energy Department to explain the existing safety mechanisms, inspection protocols and preventive measures related to electrical infrastructure across the state.

Court Raises Public Safety Concerns

The High Court observed that deaths caused by electrically charged fencing have become a recurring concern in Chhattisgarh. Farmers and property owners often install live electric fencing around agricultural fields, farmhouses and residential premises to protect crops, livestock and property. However, such illegal practices have repeatedly resulted in fatal accidents involving unsuspecting people.

The bench remarked that the issue extends beyond human safety, affecting domestic animals and wildlife as well, making it a matter of broader public safety and environmental concern.

Criminal Cases Alone Not Enough

During the hearing, the court noted that merely registering criminal cases against those responsible after accidents is insufficient. The repeated occurrence of similar incidents indicates the need for a comprehensive and long-term preventive framework.

The judges stressed that authorities must establish effective monitoring systems, regular inspections and accountability mechanisms to minimise electrocution-related fatalities across the state.

Questions on Policy and SOP

The High Court has directed that the Managing Director of CSPDCL be formally impleaded as a respondent in the PIL. It has also sought clarification from the state government on whether a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) or any specific policy currently exists to prevent deaths caused by illegal electric fencing and unsafe electrical infrastructure.

If no such policy exists, the court has instructed the authorities to specify the proposed timeline for formulating and implementing one. The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for July 23.

Incident Triggering Court Action

The court's intervention follows the deaths of a former woman sarpanch and her two sons in Bhadam village of Kota block after they allegedly came in contact with an electrified fence while working in their agricultural field.

The tragic incident prompted widespread concern over the growing number of electrocution deaths in rural areas.

Eight Deaths in Two Months

According to reports placed before the court, Bilaspur district has witnessed at least eight electrocution-related deaths over the past two months. Residents have also raised concerns over sagging power lines, deteriorating electrical infrastructure and inadequate preventive action by authorities.

While the power department has largely issued public advisories urging caution, the High Court indicated that stronger institutional measures are necessary to prevent future tragedies.

The matter comes even as another case concerning the state's electricity infrastructure remains pending before the High Court.

The Chhattisgarh High Court on Thursday came down heavily on the state government’s sluggish fire safety measures, warning that merely floating tenders would not suffice and insisting on visible progress on the ground.

A division bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal took strong exception to the delay in setting up fire stations and procuring modern equipment. The court has now sought a status report on all tenders related to fire brigade vehicles and equipment worth ₹72.70 crore.

The sharp remarks came while hearing a public interest litigation triggered by the recent Lucknow coaching centre fire tragedy, which claimed several young lives. The court also took note of a recent fire at a power substation and shops in Mopka area of Bilaspur.

The bench made it clear — “Just showing tenders won’t do. Work must be visible on the ground. Work orders should also be shown.” The matter has been posted for next hearing on July 21, 2026, along with a demand for a sworn affidavit from the state government.

Administration Wakes Up, Forms Inspection Teams

In response to the growing concern after the Lucknow incident, the Bilaspur district administration has swung into action. Committees have been formed to inspect coaching institutes, malls, hotels, and multi-storey buildings across the district.

At the city level, an SDM-headed team will oversee the exercise, while similar committees under SDM leadership have been set up in every sub-division. These teams have been given 10 days to submit their inspection reports.

Collector has made it clear that no laxity in safety norms will be tolerated. Teams comprising revenue, police, municipal corporation, and town planning officials will check fire exits, emergency evacuation plans, and overall compliance.

So far, municipal teams have already inspected several coaching centres. One institute was sealed due to having only a single entry-exit gate, while five others were issued notices.

Long-Standing Neglect Comes Under Scanner

The court was informed that approval for constructing new fire stations was granted way back in 2020. However, even after two-and-a-half years, the administration failed to identify suitable land in many places. Out of 16 proposed fire stations, land has been allotted only in five districts — Gariaband, Bemetara, Balod, Sakti, and Surajpur — where funds have also been released.

In 11 other districts, including Mungeli, GPM, Bijapur, Sarangarh, Sukma, and Narayanpur, the land allotment process is yet to begin.

The high court expressed displeasure over the slow pace and directed the government to expedite both land identification and equipment procurement.

Fire Audit to Be the Basis of Crackdown

Interestingly, no single department has complete data on the total number of coaching centres, malls, and commercial buildings in the district. The administration has now decided to rely on fire audit records maintained by the fire department as the primary basis for inspections.

Institutes without valid fire NOC are likely to face immediate action. Emphasis will be on emergency exits, basic firefighting equipment, and overall safety preparedness.

The Lucknow fire has clearly shaken administrations across states. In Chhattisgarh too, officials are now under pressure to show quick results. Local residents, especially parents of students attending coaching centres, have welcomed the move but remain sceptical about its implementation.

Many recall how similar assurances were given in the past after smaller fire incidents, but systemic change remained elusive. Whether this time the focus remains on genuine improvement or ends up being a short-lived exercise after media and court pressure will be watched closely in the coming weeks.

For now, the message from the High Court is loud and clear — fire safety cannot be treated as a mere paperwork exercise. Lives depend on actual implementation.

As Bilaspur and other districts begin the massive inspection drive, coaching institutes and commercial establishments are on high alert. Authorities have warned that serious violations could lead to sealing of premises.

Further details on the status report and committee findings are expected in the coming days.

Entry closes at 1:30 PM; belts, jewellery banned; over 45,000 candidates appear in Chhattisgarh

Amidst tight security and elaborate arrangements, the Re-NEET UG 2026 examination is being conducted across the country today. The exam is scheduled from 2 PM to 5:15 PM. At exam centers in Raipur, continuous announcements are being made urging candidates to enter the premises on time.

According to the announcements, security checks and document verification procedures may take approximately half an hour. Candidates have been advised to avoid any last-minute rush and enter the examination center well in time.

Large crowds of candidates and their parents have gathered outside exam centers across the city. In Chhattisgarh, nearly 45,000 candidates are appearing for the exam, of which 28,100 are from the state itself. A total of 127 exam centers have been set up across the state, with 25 centers in Raipur.

Strict Timeline, Security Protocols

Reporting, biometric verification and frisking began at 11 AM at all exam centers and will continue until 1:30 PM. No entry will be permitted after 1:30 PM under any circumstances. Divyang (differently-abled) candidates will be given an additional 65 minutes.

Authorities have strictly prohibited candidates from carrying mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, earphones, smartwatches or any other electronic gadgets inside the center. A dress code has also been enforced - candidates have been advised to wear light-colored, simple clothes with no metallic buttons or heavy accessories.

Multiple District-Level Arrangements

Jagdalpur: In Bastar district, four centers have been set up including Government PG College, Engineering College, MLB School and Jagtu Mahara School. Collector Akash Chhikara confirmed that all centers are equipped with CCTV cameras and tight security arrangements.

Bilaspur: With 19 exam centers, the city has seen a significant influx of students and their families from neighboring districts. Police have imposed a complete ban on heavy vehicle entry in the city during the examination hours to manage traffic and security.

Three-Layer Security, Raipur Collector Conducted Inspections

Three-layer security has been deployed at all exam centers. District Collector Dr. Gaurav Singh conducted inspections of various exam centers in Raipur two days prior, visiting PM Shri Atmanand R.D. Tiwari School Amapara, Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 2 in DDU Nagar, and the NIT center.

During inspection at a Raipur center, a female candidate was asked to change her slippers during security checks.

Why Re-NEET? The Paper Leak Controversy

The original NEET-UG examination was held on May 3, 2026. However, following allegations of a paper leak, the NTA canceled the exam on May 12. The CBI is currently investigating the matter. Today's examination marks the re-conduct of the test.

Notably, the Lok Pariksha Adhiniyam 2024 has provisions for up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹1 crore for paper leak and cheating cases.

First-Time Changes: Extra 15 Minutes

For the first time, the examination duration has been extended by 15 minutes. The NTA introduced this change to accommodate delays caused by reading instructions, affixing photographs or signing attendance sheets.

Documents Required at Exam Centers:

• Re-NEET Admit Card

• Passport-size photograph (same as on application)

• Valid photo identity proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport/Voter ID)

• PwD/PwBD certificate (if applicable)

Over 5 Lakh Security Personnel Deployed

The exam process is being monitored by over 5 lakh security personnel, more than 6,000 supervisors and 674 city coordinators across the country. All centers have CCTV surveillance and technical monitoring systems in place to ensure transparency and fairness.

Dress Code Advisory

Candidates have been advised to:

• Wear light, simple clothing

• Avoid metallic buttons, chains, jewellery or heavy footwear

• Wear simple slippers or sandals

Those wearing traditional or religious attire may face longer security checks and have been advised to arrive even earlier.

The Bigger Picture

NEET-UG serves as the national entrance test for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH (BAMS, BHMS), nursing and other medical courses across all government and private medical colleges in India, including prestigious institutions like AIIMS and JIPMER. Over 1 lakh seats are filled through this examination annually.

In a related development, the Chhattisgarh High Court, in an urgent hearing before Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha, permitted a student lodged in Raipur Central Jail to appear for the exam. The court directed the Raipur Police Commissioner and Jail Superintendent to ensure the student is taken to the exam center under police security.

District administration has appealed to parents and teachers to provide a stress-free environment to students and not pay attention to any rumors.

High Court directive prompts civic body to regulate street dog feeding in the city

Raipur's civic administration has moved to formally regulate the feeding of stray dogs across the city, designating specific feeding zones in all 70 wards under the jurisdiction of the Raipur Municipal Corporation. The decision follows a directive from the Chhattisgarh High Court and is aimed at resolving the recurring disputes between animal welfare activists and resident welfare groups that have long strained neighbourhoods across the state capital.

Information boards have been installed at each designated location to guide residents and animal feeders. The move marks a significant shift in how the city intends to handle a problem that has quietly simmered in residential areas for years.

What Triggered the Move

Complaints about stray dog feeding have been a persistent source of friction in Raipur. Residents in several localities had repeatedly raised objections — about dogs congregating near building entrances, housing societies, and pedestrian areas — while those committed to feeding them often found themselves at loggerheads with neighbours. Matters escalated enough to reach the High Court, which directed the municipal corporation to bring in a structured arrangement.

With the court order now serving as the operational mandate, the civic body has moved quickly to implement a city-wide framework.

Zones Spread Across the City

The municipal corporation has identified feeding locations spanning Zone 1 through Zone 10. According to officials, the designated spots include open grounds, marketplaces, ponds, community halls, cremation grounds, and vacant plots — spaces considered suitable for this purpose without creating nuisance in densely populated residential pockets.

Each zone office holds the complete list of feeding points for the wards under its coverage. Residents can visit their respective zone offices or look for the newly installed notice boards to locate the feeding zone nearest to their area.

Stray Dog Management Continues

The feeding zone policy does not signal any relaxation in the corporation's broader stray dog management efforts. Municipal officials have made clear that complaint-based action will continue as before.

When a complaint is received, the corporation's teams will capture the dogs from the reported location and process them under Animal Birth Control (ABC) guidelines. This involves a standard protocol — deworming, anti-rabies vaccination, and sterilisation — before the animals are returned. The ABC programme is the central pillar of India's stray dog management policy and has been running in cities across the country under directions from the Animal Welfare Board of India.

A Balance Between Welfare and Coexistence

Officials framing the feeding zone initiative have described it as an effort to bring both sides of the debate to a workable middle ground. Animal lovers retain the right to feed strays, but now within a defined framework that prevents conflicts in shared spaces. Residents in apartments or gated localities who have objected to feeding near their premises now have a civic mechanism to point to.

The corporation is, in effect, doing what many urban local bodies have struggled to do — give legal and spatial structure to an activity that has existed informally for decades.

How Citizens Can Find Their Feeding Zone

For residents unsure of their ward's designated spot, the municipal corporation has outlined a simple path: approach the local zone office, or check the information boards that have been installed in and around the designated locations. All 70 wards have at least one feeding zone, officials said, ensuring that the system covers the entire city rather than select pockets.

Whether the framework holds in practice will depend on enforcement, awareness, and the willingness of both feeders and residents to use the new system. For now, Raipur becomes one of the few Indian cities to have a formally mapped, ward-level stray dog feeding policy in place.