Orissa High Court Drops Contempt Case Against Berhampur SP After Apology

The Orissa High Court has closed contempt proceedings against Saravana Vivek M., Superintendent of Police, Berhampur, after he offered an unconditional apology for his remarks linking the murder of advocate-leader Pitabas Panda to a pending election petition.

The bench noted that the SP’s public comments could have prejudiced ongoing judicial proceedings and stressed the need to uphold the judiciary’s dignity and impartiality.

Accepting his apology, the Court said no further action was warranted, provided he refrains from making such statements in the future, underscoring a balance between accountability and corrective opportunity in contempt cases.