24x7 Police Beat, Drug Control Measures At NLU Odisha: Orissa High Court Directs Enhanced Campus Security
The matter arose from a complaint by a fourth-year student of NLU Odisha alleging that he and a friend were forcibly confined in a vehicle, threatened, and subjected to obscene and sexually offensive remarks near the University campus.
The Orissa High Court issued detailed guidelines to ensure the safety, discipline, and academic decorum at National Law University Odisha.
The matter arose from a complaint by a fourth-year student of NLU Odisha alleging that he and a friend were forcibly confined in a vehicle, threatened, and subjected to obscene and sexually offensive remarks near the University campus.
A Bench of Dr. Justice Sanjeeb K. Panigrahi said, “Institutions of higher learning must remain spaces of safety, dignity, and intellectual freedom. Any trend of lawlessness, vigilantism, or disorder in and around the campus environment not only jeopardizes students’ welfare but also undermines the institutional ethos. It is expected that the concerned authorities, including the University administration and the local law enforcement agencies, shall remain vigilant and take appropriate preventive and remedial measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur, and that the campus atmosphere remains secure and conducive to academic pursuits.”
Advocate Soubhagya Swain appeared for the petitioners and Advocate Sonak Mishra appeared for the respondents.
The Court directed the University and local authorities to:
- Review and enhance campus security, including CCTV installation, proper lighting, and deployment of adequate security personnel.
- Maintain liaison with local police for prompt response and periodic patrolling, especially during late hours.
- Establish a Police Outpost at Naraj and a Police Beat House within the campus with 24x7 police deployment.
- Prevent the supply and circulation of alcohol, narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and other intoxicants on campus.
- Regulate student movement during late hours under Hostel and Campus Regulations.
- Conduct breathalyzer tests where there is reasonable suspicion of intoxication, respecting student privacy.
- Strengthen entry-point security, including bag and vehicle checks.
- Inspect hostels periodically to ensure compliance with rules on prohibited substances.
- Inform parents or guardians of students found violating campus rules and initiate disciplinary action.
- Explore scheduled bus services between the city and campus for safe transportation.
- Conduct awareness programs on personal safety, responsible conduct, and legal consequences of unlawful acts.
- Maintain a robust grievance redressal system to allow students to report harassment or misconduct without fear of retaliation.
The Court emphasized that these measures must be implemented in letter and spirit to maintain a secure and conducive academic environment.
During the pendency of the case, the parties filed a Joint Affidavit stating that the dispute had been amicably settled, and the complainant expressed his unwillingness to prosecute further.
Considering the settlement and guided by the principles of inherent jurisdiction under Section 482 Cr.P.C., the Court held that continuation of the criminal proceeding would serve no fruitful purpose and amounted to abuse of process. Accordingly, the Court quashed the proceedings against the petitioners.
The Court also expressed concern over recurring incidents around the NLU Odisha campus and stressed that higher educational institutions must remain safe spaces for learning, free from intimidation, disorder, and lawlessness.
Cause Title: Roshan Kumar Pradhan & Ors. v. State of Odisha & Anr.
Appearance:
Petitioners: Advocate Soubhagya Swain
Respondents: Advocates Sonak Mishra, Sarita Moharana