In a relief to the Jharkhand government, the Supreme Court on Friday allowed it to temporarily cut electricity along Ram Navami procession routes to prevent electrocution incidents.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the state, informed the court that this preventive practice has been in place since 2000, after 28 people were electrocuted during a similar event. He noted that long flags and tall structures carried during such processions often risk contact with high-tension wires.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan modified a recent Jharkhand High Court order that had barred Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) and other authorities from cutting power during religious occasions.

The top court was hearing an urgent plea by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-led government challenging the April 3 High Court directive. That order, issued after the court took suo motu cognisance of complaints about power outages during Sarhul festivities, restrained the state from carrying out any electricity shutdowns during festivals and directed it to regulate the height of flags, poles, and other structures in processions.

The state expressed concern over implementing these directives on such short notice, especially with Ram Navami falling on April 6. The plea stressed that the staggered and coordinated power cuts were limited to procession routes and were essential to avoid tragedies.

The bench directed the state to keep the power cuts to a minimum and ensure uninterrupted supply to hospitals and critical establishments like the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS). It also asked the JBVNL chairman to file an undertaking before the Jharkhand High Court by noon on April 5, outlining the duration of the planned power cuts and the emergency measures in place.

“How can people survive?” the CJI remarked, acknowledging the risk involved and the importance of preventive action. The bench also issued a notice to the High Court registry and posted the matter for further hearing on April 8