'Supply BNS Bare Act To Bar Library': Orissa High Court Judge Puts Condition For Granting Adjournments

In a peculiar development, the Orissa High Court has granted adjournments to some parties on the condition that they must supply a copy of Bare Act of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to the Bar Library.

Dr. Justice Sanjeeb Kumar Panigrahi was hearing certain criminal revision petitions. In one of such cases, despite of call no one appeared on behalf of the opposite party, i.e. 'Balasore Sadar Sub Divisional Housing Building Co-operative Society Ltd., Balasore'.

The Judge granted a last opportunity to the opposite party and gave an ultimatum that if it fails to appear on the next date, it shall have to provide a copy of BNS's Bare Act to the Library of Orissa High Court Bar Association.

"In the interest of justice, a last chance is granted to the Opposite Party to appear in this matter on the next date of listing, failing which he shall be saddled with a penalty of giving a copy of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (AIR's Bare Acts on Penal Code) to the Library of Odisha High Court Bar Association, Cuttack, Odisha."

In another case, similarly an adjournment was sought on behalf of petitioner Sivananda Choudhury. Justice Panigrahi though granted the same but on the condition of providing a copy of the Bare Act of BNS to the High Court Bar Library.

On July 01, 2024, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam replaced the previous criminal laws Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and Indian Evidence Act respectively.

Interestingly, Justice Panigrahi is known for putting unique conditions for granting relief. He had previously been in the news for putting the condition of 'planting trees' for grant of bail in certain cases.