Supreme Court takes suo motu cognisance of Odisha bail orders requiring accused to clean police stations, raising concerns on dignity, equality, and legality
OdishaPlus Bureau
The Supreme Court of India has registered a suo motu case over controversial bail conditions imposed by the Orissa High Court and certain trial courts in Odisha that required accused persons to clean police station premises.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi is scheduled to hear the matter today. The Court’s intervention follows reports highlighting judicial orders that made such cleaning work a precondition for granting bail.
According to a report published by Article 14, several such directions were issued in cases linked to anti-mining protests in Odisha. The report noted that many of those subjected to these conditions belonged to Dalit and Adivasi communities, raising concerns about the nature and fairness of the orders.
One instance cited in the report involved a May 28, 2025 order of the Orissa High Court directing an accused, Kumeswar Naik, to clean the premises of the Kashipur police station every morning between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. for a period of two months as a condition for bail.
The report further stated that at least eight such orders were passed between May 2025 and January 2026. Of these, seven were issued by courts in Rayagada district, while one originated from the High Court. Among the affected individuals, six were from Dalit communities and two were Adivasis.
The Supreme Court’s decision to take suo motu cognisance signals a closer scrutiny of the legality and constitutional validity of such bail conditions, particularly in light of concerns relating to dignity, equality, and the limits of judicial discretion in imposing conditions for release.
