Patna: Taking a serious view of the deteriorating law and order in Bihar, particularly incidents of kidnapping for ransom and extortion, the Patna High Court on August 25 asked the state government to take steps to improve the situation within three weeks failing which it warned of a stringent order against the administration.

"We leave it to the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and Director-General of Police to substantially improve the law and order situation in another three weeks failing which the court will be forced to pass stringent order against the state government," a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ravi S Dhavan and Justice Shashank Kumar Singh said.

"Is the government in a position to give an assurance to businessmen who fled the state due to threat from criminal gangs that they could return in an atmosphere of safety? Can it assure a mother that her child will return safe from school or can the government ensure that a common man is able to register his complaint in any police station fearlessly?" the Bench asked and added, " If this has not been achieved, then the state government must take steps to achieve it."

"The court does not want to interfere in the functioning of the police and civil administration. But it cannot be a mute spectator to the plight of the common man. If suitable actions are not taken the court will be forced to pass a stringent order against the state government," the judges observed.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Vyasayik Sangharsh Morcha, a body of traders.

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