ORDER

1. Heard the learned Senior Counsel for the petitioner, learned Additional Solicitor General and the learned Senior Counsel appearing for the State.

2. Pursuant to our directions, the Chief Secretary of the State of Orissa has sworn an affidavit given all the details taken place in the State of Orissa to control the violence erupted recently. In the affidavit, it is stated that all possible steps have been taken by the Government especially in Kandhamal District. It is stated that there are 17 police stations in the district and in all these police stations necessary officers have been deployed and the service of CRPF, Reserved Armed Forces (RAF) have also been obtained and deployed.

15 companies of CRPF, 24 platoons of Orissa State Armed Police (OSAP) and in addition to the District SP and other officers has taken adequate steps and has given security to those people visiting as well as for protection of 9 others would be provided. It is also stated, the State will take all possible steps to maintain law and order in the event of any proposed yatra by anyone whatsoever. The State Government has been dealing with all the situations firmly and even-handedly and will continue to do so.

3. The learned Additional Solicitor General submitted that yesterday the Union Home Minister visited the State of Orissa and even some of the relief camps and was satisfied with the service and they are properly operated. But it is submitted that still tension prevails in the State and adequate CRPF force has already been deployed to help the State Police to maintain the law and order situation and the learned Senior Counsel appearing for the State of Orissa requested that in view of the tension four more new battalions would be required in the State and the learned Additional Solicitor General submits that urgent steps would be taken to deploy the required force.

4. As regards the proposed yatra to be organised by a section of the people, it is submitted that all possible steps would be taken to prevent any yatra being held and police and other paramilitary forces to make possible steps to prevent any untoward incident being taken place. Section 144 has already been imposed in the State in all the districts where tension prevails.

5. The learned counsel for the petitioner stated that even yesterday night some of the houses were burnt out in Tikabali and Daringabadi Villages. The learned counsel appearing for the State submitted that so far no such information has been received by them and the matter would be enquired into and urgent steps would be taken in these areas also to prevent any breach of law and order situation.

6. We hope that the State police along with CRPF and other paramilitary d forces would ensure the law and order situation and people's life and property will be protected to the best of their ability. The State Government would also take urgent steps to see that those who are in the relief camps are protected and no miscreants shall be allowed to visit the camps to create any problem.

7. Post on 11-9-2008. In the meantime the respondent to file affidavit.

Court Masters