HC directs police to ensure smooth construction of rural road in Jagatsinghpur

Cuttack: Stressing that projects serving larger public interest must proceed unhindered, the Orissa high court has directed police authorities in Jagatsinghpur to ensure smooth construction of a rural road after removal of encroachments on govt land.The case pertained to a 256-metre stretch of road at Dharadharpur under Raghunathpur tehsil, sanctioned under the Mukhya Mantri Gramya Sadak Yojana.A PIL was filed for construction of the road and removal of the encroachers on May 26, 2025. Bipin Bihari Swain, a resident of the locality filed the petition, while advocate Aurolina Pal argued on his behalf.While considering the PIL, a division bench of Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice MS Raman on March 25 observed, “We cannot shut our eyes to the reality that once the constructions are undertaken by the Government in the larger interest of the public, obstructions from miniscule quarters should not be encouraged.”

During the hearing, the court was informed that the state had already initiated proceedings against encroachers as part of its policy of zero tolerance towards illegal occupation of govt land. The eviction process had been completed, and construction work commenced. However, fresh resistance from certain quarters slowed down progress, prompting authorities to seek police intervention.Taking note, the bench said the project clearly serves public purpose and should not be stalled.

“The construction of road, which would cater to the needs of the larger section of the society, is always regarded as a public purpose and, therefore, any impediment which is sought to be created, should not be encouraged,” it observed.The judges clarified that the matter did not involve private land disputes but pertained entirely to govt land. “It is not a case where the roads are being constructed over private land… but being constructed on Government land and, therefore, it is the duty of the Government to complete the said work,” the bench added.Directing the superintendent of police, Jagatsinghpur, to provide adequate security, the court said law and order falls within the state’s domain and authorities must act promptly if obstruction persists. The PIL was accordingly disposed of, and all pending interlocutory applications were closed.