Has Odisha Established a Special Court to Expedite Trials for Maoist Leader Azad?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, Odisha's Home Department has formed a special court to accelerate the trials of Maoist leader Dunna Kesava Rao, known as Azad, who faces multiple serious charges. This initiative aims to bring justice swiftly while ensuring legal procedures are adhered to. Will this court change the pace of justice in Odisha?
Key Takeaways
- The Odisha Home Department has launched a special court for Azad's trials.
- Azad has been incarcerated since June 2011.
- He is implicated in multiple significant criminal cases.
- The court aims to expedite the legal process for these cases.
- Supreme Court directives influenced this decision.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 11 (NationPress) The Odisha Home Department has established a special court aimed at expediting the trial of over 35 cases that are currently pending against the incarcerated Maoist leader Dunna Kesava Rao, also known as Azad.
This Maoist figure surrendered to the Andhra Pradesh police on May 18, 2011, and has been incarcerated in Odisha since June 1, 2011.
The order from the Home Department states, "In compliance with the directives of the Supreme Court and High Court of Orissa, the State Government, in consultation with the High Court of Orissa, hereby institutes a court of Additional District and Session Judge at Paralakhemundi. This is in addition to the existing courts within the Gajapati judgeship and is effective from the date the court commences operations, with jurisdiction extending across Odisha. The designated location for this court will be Paralakhemundi for the expedited trial of cases against D. Kesava Rao."
It is important to note that this special court will not address the case filed against Azad under the POCSO Act, 2012, in Rayagada.
Azad is facing a total of 37 criminal cases across Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. He is notably the primary suspect in the 2008 assassination of VHP leader Swami Laxmananda Saraswati, an incident that incited communal unrest in Kandhamal, leading to the deaths of 39 individuals and the destruction of thousands of homes.
Additionally, he is implicated in the 2008 Nayagarh police armoury assault, which resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals, including 13 police officers, and the 2006 R. Udaygiri jail incident. Another murder charge against him is recorded at the Tumudibandha police station in Kandhamal.
Notably, Azad has been acquitted in at least ten other cases and has undertaken several hunger strikes advocating for expedited trials. In March, the Supreme Court instructed Odisha and Andhra Pradesh to contemplate the establishment of special courts to accelerate their respective cases.
As a former member of the Maoist organization's Orissa State Organising Committee (ORSOC), Azad's surrender occurred on May 18, 2011, after which he was handed over to the Odisha police on June 1, 2011.
Point of View
The establishment of a special court in Odisha represents a crucial step towards addressing the backlog of cases involving serious crimes. While ensuring speedy justice, it also raises questions about the balance between due process and the urgency of legal proceedings. As we navigate these complex issues, it remains vital for the judiciary to uphold its integrity and fairness in all trials.
NationPress
13/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the special court established in Odisha?
The special court aims to expedite the trial process for over 35 pending cases against Maoist leader Dunna Kesava Rao, alias Azad.
What significant cases is Azad involved in?
Azad faces several serious charges, including the 2008 murder of VHP leader Swami Laxmananda Saraswati and the Nayagarh police armoury attack.
Will the special court hear all of Azad's cases?
No, the special court will not hear the case against Azad under the POCSO Act, 2012, at Rayagada.
What prompted the creation of this special court?
The Supreme Court and High Court of Orissa directed the establishment of special courts to expedite ongoing cases.
How many total cases is Azad facing?
Azad is currently facing 37 pending criminal cases across Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
