In a unique move, the Orissa High Court has started granting adjournments to parties on the condition that they supply a copy of the Bare Act of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to the Bar Library. This decision was made by Dr. Justice Sanjeeb Kumar Panigrahi while hearing certain criminal revision petitions. The judge is known for his unconventional conditions for granting relief, including previously requiring tree planting for bail in some cases.
Key Takeaways
- Orissa High Court Judge Dr. Justice Sanjeeb Kumar Panigrahi has imposed a condition for granting adjournments: supplying a copy of the Bare Act of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to the Bar Library.
- This condition was applied in cases where parties failed to appear or sought adjournments.
- The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with other new laws, replaced the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act on July 1, 2024.
- Justice Panigrahi is known for his unique conditions for granting relief, including tree planting for bail.
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Background
In a recent hearing, Dr. Justice Sanjeeb Kumar Panigrahi was presiding over criminal revision petitions. In one case, the opposite party, Balasore Sadar Sub Divisional Housing Building Co-operative Society Ltd., Balasore, failed to appear despite being called. The judge granted a last opportunity for the party to appear on the next date, with the ultimatum that failure to do so would result in the party having to provide a copy of the BNS Bare Act to the Orissa High Court Bar Association Library.
Specific Cases
In another case, petitioner Sivananda Choudhury sought an adjournment. Justice Panigrahi granted the adjournment but imposed the same condition of providing a copy of the BNS Bare Act to the High Court Bar Library.
Context of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, replaced the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act, respectively, on July 1, 2024. These new laws aim to modernize and streamline the Indian legal system.
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Previous Unique Conditions
Justice Panigrahi has a history of imposing unique conditions for granting relief. He previously made headlines for requiring individuals to plant trees as a condition for granting bail in certain cases. This approach reflects his innovative methods to ensure compliance and contribute positively to society.
Conclusion
The Orissa High Court’s new condition for granting adjournments highlights the judiciary’s evolving approach to ensuring accountability and promoting legal education. By requiring parties to supply copies of the BNS Bare Act, Justice Panigrahi aims to enhance the resources available to the Bar Library and ensure that legal practitioners have access to the latest legal texts.