In a unique intersection of judicial decree and environmental conservation, the Orissa High Court has granted bail to a theft suspect, Manas Ati, under the condition that he plants at least 200 saplings in his locality. This ruling was issued on Monday by Justice S K Panigrahi, who specified that the accused must maintain these saplings for two years as part of his bail conditions.
Manas Ati, hailing from Jharsuguda district, was apprehended by Kolabira Police on December 25 of the previous year for allegedly stealing electric poles valued at over Rs 2 lakh from a power supply company. While granting bail, the court did not delve into the merits of the case but noted that a co-accused had already been granted bail.
Apart from the environmental mandate, the high court’s conditions for bail include regular fortnightly appearances before the police, abstention from criminal activities, and avoidance of any tampering with evidence. The choice of saplings for planting includes local varieties like mango, neem, and tamarind, which Ati is to plant on government, community, or private lands as applicable.
The court has involved multiple local authorities to assist in this initiative, directing the district nursery to supply the necessary saplings and revenue officials to help identify suitable planting sites. The local police, along with forest and revenue officials, are tasked with assisting Ati in the plantation efforts.
