Cuttack: In a unique blend of justice and environmental stewardship, the Orissa High Court granted bail to a theft accused on the condition that he plants and maintains 200 saplings in his village.
The single-judge bench of Justice SK Panigrahi passed the order on Thursday, linking the accused’s release to a green initiative.
Manas Ati, arrested for allegedly stealing six electric poles connecting power lines from Pokhrasale to Khondokata in Jharsuguda district, had been in custody since December 25 last year. His case was pending before the sub-divisional judicial magistrate (SDJM) in Jharsuguda. Ati filed a bail application in the High Court on January 15, seeking relief.
Justice Panigrahi, while granting bail to Ati on Thursday, imposed an unconventional condition: Ati must plant 200 saplings of local varieties such as mango, neem, and tamarind around his village, located within the limits of Kolabira police station. The saplings are to be planted on government, community, or private land, and Ati is required to maintain them for two years.
The court also directed the district nursery or the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) to provide the saplings to Ati. Revenue officials have been tasked with identifying suitable land for the plantation. Additionally, the local police station’s Inspector-in-Charge (IIC), in coordination with Forest officials, will monitor compliance with the court’s order to ensure the saplings are planted and cared for.
This innovative ruling underscores the judiciary’s growing emphasis on combining legal remedies with environmental conservation, setting a precedent for similar cases in the future.
