Odisha Chief Minister Orders Withdrawal of Trivial Offence Cases Against Scheduled Tribes

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move aimed at promoting justice and easing the burden on tribal communities, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has issued directives for the withdrawal of cases involving minor offences against individuals belonging to Scheduled Tribes.

Following the Chief Minister’s instructions, the Home, Excise, and Forest & Environment departments undertook a thorough review of petty cases registered against tribal men and women across the state.

Upon careful examination, it was determined that a total of 48,018 cases warranted withdrawal across the aforementioned departments. Specifically, this includes 36,581 cases under the Excise Department, 9,846 cases under the Housing Department, and 1,591 cases under the Forest & Environment Department.

The decision to withdraw these cases reflects the state government’s commitment to promoting fairness and justice, particularly for marginalized communities such as Scheduled Tribes. By alleviating the legal burden on tribal individuals, the government aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable society.

Moreover, the withdrawal of these cases is expected to alleviate pressure on the courts and the judicial system, allowing for a more efficient allocation of resources and a streamlined legal process.