Bhubaneswar, December 31: The Odisha High Court made significant strides in 2025 with several landmark rulings that shaped various legal areas, including family law, criminal justice, administrative accountability, and individual rights
Key Family Law Rulings
The Court’s rulings in family law cases underscored its focus on gender equality, inheritance rights, and evolving issues related to marriage and maintenance.
In AB v. MN, the Court ruled that a wife who faces character assassination by her husband has the right to live separately and claim maintenance. The judgment emphasized that baseless accusations of infidelity cause severe psychological harm, justifying a separation.
Another significant ruling came in Madan Kumar Satpathy v. Priyadarshini Pati, where the Court highlighted that the law cannot support well-educated women who refuse to work and rely solely on their husbands for financial support. Similarly, in Bhupendra Singh Notey v. Gagandeep Kaur, the Court rejected the actions of a well-qualified husband who quit his job to avoid maintenance obligations, asserting that such behavior is unacceptable.
In a groundbreaking inheritance case, Smt. Sandhya Rani Sahoo v. Smt. Anusaya Mohanty, the Court ruled that children born from a void marriage are entitled to inherit both ancestral and self-acquired properties from their Hindu father. This clarified the inheritance rights of children from legally invalid marriages.
In a case involving repeated litigation, EF v. ZX, the Court granted a divorce after the husband endured 45 FIRs filed by his wife. The ruling noted that the law cannot force anyone to remain in a “marriage of suffering.”
Criminal Justice and Individual Liberty
The criminal bench focused on safeguarding individual liberty, procedural justice, and the potential for reform among convicted individuals.
In State of Odisha v. Dengun Sabar & Ors., the Court commuted the death sentences of nine individuals involved in a triple murder case tied to witchcraft, emphasizing that even criminals have the right to dignity and reform. This ruling reinforced the high threshold required for capital punishment.
The Court also took steps to protect the rights of undertrials, granting bail to individuals detained for long periods without trial in cases like Basudev Behera v. State of Odisha and Dilip Ranjan Nath v. Republic of India (CBI). The Court highlighted that prolonged detention without trial is a violation of individual liberty.
In Manoj Kumar Munda v. State of Odisha & Anr., the Court dismissed rape charges against a man accused of sexual assault following a failed nine-year relationship, distinguishing between criminal acts and personal grievances.
Addressing Executive Overreach
A recurring theme in 2025 was the Court’s opposition to executive overreach and its emphasis on enforcing procedural law.
In Kumarpur Sasan Juba Gosti Kendra v. State of Odisha, the Court condemned illegal demolitions as “bulldozer justice”. It awarded ₹10 lakhs in compensation, with ₹2 lakhs to be recovered from the salary of the responsible official. This decision held public servants personally accountable for unlawful actions.
The Court also strengthened protections for public servants against vexatious complaints in Prajna Prakash Nayak v. State of Odisha, ensuring that investigations against public servants could not proceed without prior approval from their superior officer, under the new Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Compassionate Approach to Medical Termination of Pregnancy
In X v. State of Odisha & Ors., the Court allowed a 13-year-old rape survivor to terminate a 26-week pregnancy due to health risks. The Court emphasized the minor’s well-being, stating that continuing the pregnancy would be an unbearable burden. This decision stood in contrast to a similar case in Rajasthan, where the High Court denied permission for the termination of a 32-week pregnancy. The Odisha ruling showcased the Court’s sensitivity to the unique circumstances of each case.
A Proactive and Progressive Judiciary
The landmark judgments delivered by the Odisha High Court in 2025 reflect a judiciary actively engaged with contemporary societal issues. From addressing repeated litigation and safeguarding individual rights to ensuring due process, the Court's decisions are setting important precedents. These rulings are not only shaping the legal landscape in Odisha but also influencing broader legal practices across India, signaling a progressive and compassionate approach to justice.
