Cuttack: The Orissa High Court on Thursday underscored that institutions of higher education must remain spaces of safety, dignity, and intellectual freedom, while issuing a series of directions to strengthen security and discipline at the National Law University (NLU), Cuttack.
Hearing a matter related to allegations of kidnapping and misconduct involving NLU students, a Division Bench comprising Dr. Justice Sanjib Kumar Panigrahi laid down comprehensive guidelines to ensure a conducive academic environment within and around the university campus.
As part of the directives, a police outpost will be established at Naraj with a Sub-Inspector-level officer and adequate personnel. The Court also directed the Police Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Cuttack, to take steps for setting up a beat house within the university campus and ensure round-the-clock police deployment.
The university authorities have been instructed to enhance internal security measures, including deployment of additional security personnel at entry and exit gates, installation of CCTV cameras at strategic locations, and ensuring proper lighting across the campus. Strict police patrolling will be carried out in and around the campus premises.
To curb the entry and consumption of narcotic substances, the Court directed stringent checking of bags and vehicles at campus gates. In cases of suspicion, the university authorities may conduct breathalyzer tests. Regular inspections of hostel premises will also be undertaken as per rules. If any student is found consuming prohibited substances within the campus, their parents or guardians must be informed immediately and disciplinary proceedings initiated.
To facilitate safe mobility, particularly during evening hours, the university will arrange a special bus service connecting the main city to the campus. Additionally, periodic awareness programmes will be organised to educate students on personal safety, legal consequences of unlawful activities, and responsible conduct.
The High Court further directed the establishment of mechanisms enabling students to report incidents of harassment, intimidation, or misconduct without fear of reprisal. Emphasising strict compliance, the Court observed that these measures are necessary to preserve a secure and academically conducive atmosphere for legal education.
During the hearing, the DCP, NLU Registrar, and the Inspector-in-Charge of Phase-2 Police Station appeared before the Court in compliance with earlier directions.
The matter stems from an FIR registered in 2023 at the CDA Phase-2 Police Station alleging an attempt to kidnap and ill-treat certain students by forcibly putting them into a car. Subsequently, the dispute was resolved through a mutual compromise between the parties.
In light of the settlement, four accused persons had approached the High Court seeking quashing of the criminal proceedings pending before the JMFC-1 Court. Taking the compromise into account, the High Court directed the quashing of the case against the petitioners.
