In a packed courtroom at the High Court of Orissa on Wednesday, Justice Dr. Sanjeeb K. Panigrahi brought an end to a criminal case involving students of National Law University Odisha (NLUO), while simultaneously raising serious concerns about student safety around the campus.
The Court quashed the criminal proceedings after the complainant and the accused informed the bench that they had amicably settled the dispute. However, the judge did not stop there. He issued a detailed set of directions aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
Read also:- Bombay HC Disposes Unmarried Woman’s Abortion Plea, Cites Supreme Court Ruling on MTP Rights
Background of the Case
The case arose from a complaint filed on September 17, 2023. A fourth-year NLUO student alleged that while returning to campus from Naraj Dam with a friend, they were allegedly forced into a car by three individuals.
According to the complaint, the accused questioned them about consuming alcohol and other substances. The student further claimed he was detained inside the vehicle, verbally abused, and that sexually offensive remarks were made about their female friends. There was also an allegation of an attempt to abduct him by driving off with him inside the car.
Based on these allegations, CDA Phase-II Police Station registered a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including wrongful confinement, sexual harassment, obscenity, criminal intimidation, and common intention.
The matter was pending before the JMFC-I Court in Cuttack when the accused approached the High Court under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code, seeking quashing of the case.
Read also:- Calcutta High Court Refuses to Quash Forgery Case Linked to 1963 Land Deed, Orders Police Prob
Settlement Between the Parties
During the hearing, counsel for the petitioners informed the Court that the dispute had been settled. A joint affidavit signed by both the accused and the complainant was placed on record.
The complainant stated in the affidavit that the matter had been resolved voluntarily. He added that he did not wish to continue with the proceedings and had received assurances that no harm would come to him in the future.
The bench carefully examined the affidavit and heard submissions from both sides before moving forward.
Court’s Observations
Justice Panigrahi referred to settled legal principles that allow High Courts to quash criminal proceedings in appropriate cases to secure justice and prevent misuse of the court process.
“The dispute in question having been amicably settled between the parties… the likelihood of securing a conviction is rendered remote and bleak,” the Court observed.
The judge further remarked that continuing the prosecution in such circumstances “would not subserve the ends of justice but would instead amount to an abuse of the process of Court.”
However, the Court expressed serious concern about repeated incidents reported in and around the NLUO campus.
Institutions of higher learning, the bench said, must remain spaces of safety and dignity. Any form of disorder or interference with students’ lives casts a shadow over the institution’s reputation.
Read also:- Bombay High Court Flags Flawed Tree-Felling Notices, Closes Pune Coconut Trees Case
Directions for Campus Safety
Before concluding the matter, the Court issued a comprehensive set of guidelines directed at the university and local police authorities.
Among the key directions:
- Strengthening campus security with adequate guards, CCTV cameras, and proper lighting.
- Regular police patrolling, especially during late evening hours.
- Establishment of a police outpost at Naraj and a police beat house inside the NLUO campus.
- Strict action to prevent supply of alcohol, narcotic drugs, and other intoxicants to students.
- Conducting awareness programmes about legal consequences of unlawful acts.
- Creating a strong grievance redressal system for students to report harassment without fear.
- Exploring scheduled bus services between the city and the campus for safer travel.
The Court also directed that parents be informed if students are found violating university rules related to prohibited substances.
“These directions shall be implemented in letter and spirit,” the bench said, stressing the need to maintain a secure and academic environment.
Read also:- Kerala High Court Orders Probe Into ₹14 Lakh Sabarimala Staff Transfers During Mandala
The Decision
Allowing the petition, the High Court quashed G.R. Case No. 790 of 2023 arising out of CDA-2 P.S. Case No. 113 of 2023, which had been pending before the JMFC-I, Cuttack.
The criminal miscellaneous case was accordingly disposed of, and earlier interim orders were vacated. The personal appearances of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, the Registrar of NLUO, and the local police inspector were also dispensed with.
Case Title: Roshan Kumar Pradhan & Others v. State of Odisha & Another
Case No.: CRLMC No. 391 of 2026
Decision Date: 12 February 2026
