Orissa Court Grants Bail for Marijuana Offenders, Requires Tree Planting

On October 6, 2025, the Orissa High Court took an innovative approach to bail conditions, granting bail to 17 accused individuals, including those charged with marijuana possession, on the condition that they plant and care for 50-100 saplings in and around their villages over the next two years.

The court's vacation bench, led by Justice S.K. Panigrahi, stated that there was "no requirement of keeping them inside" and that the accused could be released on bail to fulfill this environmental responsibility. The orders were uploaded on October 8, 2025.

Seven of the eight individuals charged with marijuana possession, ranging from 2 kg to 36 kg, have been asked to plant 100 saplings each, while Kumodini Jit, caught with 2 kg of ganja, has been directed to plant 50 saplings. The nine other accused, charged with various offenses such as illicit liquor possession, sexual exploitation, kidnapping, and armed robbery, have also been granted bail on similar conditions.

The court has directed the accused to submit an affidavit to the local police confirming the plantation and assuring to maintain the saplings for two years. The inspectors in-charge and local forest officers have been tasked with monitoring the plantation drive, and the district nursery and divisional forest officers have been asked to provide the necessary saplings to the petitioners.