Bhubaneswar, February 3: In a unique application of the new BNSS criminal law, the Orissa High Court has granted bail to a youth with the condition that he plant at least 200 saplings in and around his village and take care of them for the next two years.
On Monday, Justice S.K. Panigrahi approved the bail application of Manas Ati, a resident of Jharsuguda district, who was arrested on December 25 by Kolabira police for allegedly stealing six electric poles worth over Rs 2 lakh from a power supply company.
The High Court imposed strict conditions on Ati’s release, including regular police check-ins every two weeks, a ban on any further criminal activity, and a prohibition on tampering with evidence.
Among the more unusual conditions was the requirement that Ati plant 200 saplings of local varieties—such as mango, neem, and tamarind—around his village. The trees are to be planted on government land, community land, or private land. The court also directed local police, forest, and revenue officials to assist him in the plantation process. The district nursery is to supply the saplings, and revenue officials will help identify suitable land for planting.
