In a thought-provoking judgment that intertwines legal relief with moral accountability, the Orissa High Court quashed criminal proceedings against law students accused of ragging, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct in the legal profession. The court, while dismissing the case, directed the students to volunteer at an orphanage, underlining the need for future lawyers to contribute positively to society.
Justice Sibo Sankar Mishra, who presided over the matter, expressed concern over the behavior of the accused students, noting that such actions were unbecoming of individuals pursuing a career in law. The judgment not only resolved the case but also sought to instill a sense of responsibility and reflection in the petitioners.
Background of the Case
In the case titled Sonel Sekhar Nayak & Ors. v. State of Odisha & Anr. (CRLMC No. 4880 of 2024), allegations of ragging were brought forward by Rajesh Chandra Rout, the father of a first-year law student at the SOA National Institute of Law. It was alleged that senior students harassed and threatened his son, prompting the filing of an FIR under Sections 294, 323, 324, 341, 506, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The FIR was registered as Bharatpur P.S. Case No. 168 of 2024, corresponding to C.T. Case No. 497 of 2024. The accused, also law students, approached the court seeking quashing of the proceedings after resolving the matter amicably with the complainant.
Legal Issues
The court faced the question of whether criminal proceedings should be quashed in light of a compromise. Drawing from precedents such as Gian Singh v. State of Punjab (2012) and B.S. Joshi v. State of Haryana (2003), Justice Sibo Sankar Mishra noted that non-heinous offenses involving personal disputes could be resolved through settlements, especially when continuation of the case would serve no substantial purpose.
Observations of the Court
Justice Mishra, while quashing the FIR, made critical remarks about the ethical responsibilities of law students, stating:
“The conduct of the petitioners is unbecoming of students of law. A good law student could eventually be a good lawyer that goes beyond academic achievements.”
He emphasized that legal education is not merely about personal success but about promoting justice and societal change. Lawyers, he observed, must uphold integrity and serve as role models.
The Court’s Directive
While granting relief, the court directed the petitioners to volunteer at an orphanage for one week, engaging in teaching or conducting workshops for children. Justice Mishra stated:
“The experience will nudge the impressionable youth present before me into a positive direction.”
The petitioners were instructed to select an orphanage of their choice, complete the task within four weeks, and furnish a certificate from the orphanage head as proof of compliance.
The court quashed the proceedings in Bharatpur P.S. Case No. 168 of 2024 and encouraged the petitioners to reflect on their actions. Justice Mishra’s judgment serves as a reminder that future lawyers must prioritize ethical conduct, not just academic excellence, to uphold the dignity of their profession.
