Archive · 2 Nov 2025
Orissa High Court Issues Notice to SP for Commenting on Sub Judice Election Case
Imagine a police chief who is supposed to be neutral.
This police chief talked to reporters about a court case that hasn't been decided yet, which is called a 'sub judice' matter.
He also talked about a murder case.
The High Court judge was not happy because the police chief might have influenced people's opinions about the court case and the murder case.
The judge told the police chief he needs to explain why he said those things and why it shouldn't be seen as disrespecting the court.
The police chief has to answer the judge by a certain date.
The Orissa High Court has issued a notice to Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M for commenting on a sub judice election case.
The SP linked the election petition to the murder investigation of BJP leader Pitabas Panda in a media statement.
The court questioned why the SP's public statements on an ongoing election dispute should not be treated as contempt of court.
The SP is required to submit a response to the High Court by November 7, 2025, explaining his remarks.
The election petition challenges the election of BJP MLA K Anil Kumar, and the SP's statement implied a political link between parties in both the election petition and the murder case.
- Who
- Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M
- What
- Commented publicly on a sub judice election petition, linking it to a murder investigation.
- When
- Statement made on October 22; Court order issued Friday, response due November 7, 2025.
- Where
- Berhampur and Orissa High Court
- Why
- The SP linked an election petition to the murder investigation of BJP leader Pitabas Panda, discussing potential outcomes and political motivations.
Court's Viewpoint
SP's Actions
Commenting on Sub Judice Matters
Court's Viewpoint
Public comments by a senior police officer on an ongoing election dispute before the court are disturbing and unwarranted, potentially constituting contempt.
SP's Actions
The SP made public statements linking an election petition to a murder investigation, potentially discussing the petition's outcome and political motivations.
Role of Law Enforcement
Court's Viewpoint
Police officers are expected to maintain neutrality and avoid commenting on ongoing judicial proceedings.
SP's Actions
The SP commented on the investigation and its findings, including perceived political links and motives related to an election petition.
- SP Involved
- Saravana Vivek M, Berhampur SP
- Court
- Orissa High Court
- Judge
- Justice Sashikanta Mishra
- Statement Date
- October 22
- Response Due Date
- November 7, 2025
- Case Type
- Election Petition and Murder Investigation