Authority: High Court of Odisha at Cuttack

Order Date: 28.10.2026

Case Overview

  • Petitioner: Nilima Acharya, represented by Advocate Laxman Pradhan, filed a petition under Articles 226 & 227 of the Constitution seeking direction to the Investigating Officer (I.O.) and Investigating Inspector-in-Charge (I.I.C.) of Sahidnagar Police Station (OP No.3 & 4) to investigate case No.282 dated 22.05.2026 under the POSH Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, seize CCTV footage of the HDFC Life office, and file a charge‑sheet.
  • Opposite Party: State of Odisha and others, represented by Advocate R.B. Dash, ASC.
  • Hearing: The matter was taken up on 08.10.2026. The State counsel was directed to obtain instructions, leading to a police report submitted on 25.10.2026.
  • Police Report Findings: The Saheed Nagar Police Station, Bhubaneswar UPD, reported that the FIR was registered under Sections 126(2), 296, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Investigation included spot visits and examination of the petitioner and other witnesses.
  • Employment Details: The petitioner and alleged accused, Anil Kumar Sahoo and Preetismita Sahoo, are employees of the HDFC Life office near IDBI Chowk, within the jurisdiction of the police station. The accused have been employed for the past 15 years, while the petitioner joined the company approximately two months before the FIR was lodged.
  • Allegations: It was alleged that the petitioner frequently interfered in the personal and professional affairs of the accused, creating an unpleasant work environment. Additionally, the petitioner allegedly slapped Preetismita Sahoo a few days prior to the incident, further straining relations.
  • Investigation Status: The investigation is ongoing, and appropriate steps will be taken against the accused as warranted by the evidence collected.

Final Outcome

  • The Court observed that the investigation is proceeding at an expected pace and therefore saw no need for further directions. The CRLMP (Civil Revision/Legal Miscellaneous Petition) stands disposed of.

Topics: Workplace Harassment, Legal Proceedings