Orissa High Court Upholds Right to Peaceful Protest After Balasore Student Tragedy : Orissa High Court

Following the tragic self-immolation of a student, the Orissa High Court reaffirmed the constitutional right to peaceful protest.

The incident involved a student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, Balasore, who set herself on fire on July 12, 2025, allegedly after repeated harassment by her HOD and dissatisfaction with the Internal Complaints Committee's findings.

The Court held that public authorities must allow citizens to express dissent, provided it doesn't threaten law and order. However, it also stressed that protests must remain within the bounds of legality.

The State was directed to take appropriate legal action if any protests turn unlawful or disruptive.

(Shivsankar Mohanty v. State of Odisha & Ors.)