Odisha High Court Orders State to Prevent Discrimination in Public Utility Access

Cuttack, Sept 7: In a landmark directive, the Odisha High Court has instructed the state government to ensure that no citizen is denied access to public utilities—especially water—on the basis of religion or caste.

The ruling came during a hearing on a petition filed by residents of Bauriguda village in Kuchinda block, where allegations surfaced that a defunct tube well was not repaired due to caste-based bias.

The bench, comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M.S. Raman, emphasised that such discrimination violates Article 15 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equal access to public resources for all citizens.

The court made it clear that any obstruction by one group against another’s access to public utilities must be met with strict governmental action.

During the hearing, the state government informed the bench that a new tube well had been installed nearby, resolving the immediate issue.

This directive reinforces the constitutional mandate of equality and sends a strong message against social exclusion in essential services.