VIRENDER SINGH, J. - (1.) Record reveals that after 6th January, 2016 no effective order has been passed in the instant PIL, which was taken by the Court on its own motion, in which Ms.Suchitra Pandey was appointed as Amicus Curiae to assist the Court. Vide last order dated 11th May, 2016, the instant matter was adjourned for 31 st August, 2016. Ms.Suchitra Pandey made mentioning slip yesterday only for preponing the date apprising the Court that in last 3 -4 month's time many witch hunting cases have taken place in different parts of the State. It is how after preponing the date, the matter is before the Court today for its consideration.
(2.) Order dated 10th August, 2015 reflects the registration of cases with regard to witch hunting since 2010 till February, 2015 as indicated in the newspaper "Dainik Bhaskar" of August, 9th, 2015. Although the State has not been able to provide the latest detailed report but what is reflected in Annexure - 1 annexed with the supplementary counter -affidavit filed on behalf of the State is that right from 2007 till September, 2015 as many as 3854 case of witch hunting ( Daain Hatya) have been registered in the State of Jharkhand in different police stations, reference thereto has also been made in Annexure - 1.
(3.) Mr.Mishra appearing for the State is directed to provide the latest information to the Court about the cases registered with regard to witch hunting till May, 2016 on or before the next date of hearing by filing the affidavit of the concerned official of the State.;