Orissa High Court Mandates Police Security for Rural Road Project in Jagatsinghpur
In a significant ruling, the Orissa High Court has issued directives to police authorities in Jagatsinghpur to ensure the uninterrupted construction of a rural road, stressing that projects serving the larger public interest must proceed without obstacles. The court's decision came in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning a 256-meter stretch of road at Dharadharpur under Raghunathpur tehsil, which is part of the Mukhya Mantri Gramya Sadak Yojana.
Court's Emphasis on Public Interest and Government Duty
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice MS Raman, while considering the PIL on March 25, observed that the government's construction initiatives for public benefit should not be hindered by minor obstructions. The bench stated, "We cannot shut our eyes to the reality that once the constructions are undertaken by the Government in the larger interest of the public, obstructions from miniscule quarters should not be encouraged." The judges further clarified that the project involves solely government land, not private disputes, underscoring the state's responsibility to complete such works.
Background of the Case and Legal Proceedings
The PIL was filed on May 26, 2025, by Bipin Bihari Swain, a local resident, with advocate Aurolina Pal representing him. The petition sought the construction of the road and removal of encroachers from government land. During the hearing, the court was informed that the state had already initiated eviction proceedings against illegal occupants as part of its zero-tolerance policy towards encroachments. Although construction had commenced after evictions, fresh resistance from certain groups slowed progress, prompting authorities to seek police intervention.
Court's Directives and Disposal of the PIL
Taking note of the situation, the bench emphasized that the road construction serves a clear public purpose and should not be stalled. It directed the Superintendent of Police in Jagatsinghpur to provide adequate security to ensure the project's smooth execution. The court added that maintaining law and order falls within the state's domain, and authorities must act promptly if any obstructions persist. Consequently, the PIL was disposed of, and all pending interlocutory applications were closed, marking a decisive step towards advancing rural infrastructure in the region.
