The Supreme Court on Monday, 15 June issued notice to the Odisha government and actor-politician Anubhav Mohanty's former wife, Varsha Priyadarshini, on a plea seeking the quashing of criminal proceedings against him over allegations of harassment and mental cruelty. The apex court simultaneously stayed further proceedings in the matter pending a response from both parties.

What the Supreme Court Ordered

A Bench of Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice Vijay Bishnoi passed the order while hearing a special leave petition (SLP) filed by the former Odisha MP challenging the continuation of the criminal case. The Bench directed: 'Issue notice. In the meantime, further proceedings of GR Case No. 1544/2020 arising out of FIR No. 276/2020 shall remain stayed.' The matter has been posted for further hearing on 7 August, according to the computerised case status on the Supreme Court's official website.

Background: The FIR and Allegations

The criminal case stems from an FIR lodged in December 2020 by Priyadarshini, who alleged harassment, mental cruelty, wrongful restraint, and insult to her modesty during the pendency of matrimonial disputes between the estranged couple. According to the prosecution, the dispute centres on an incident in December 2020 when Priyadarshini — who had been granted interim access to the matrimonial home under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act — allegedly found the entrance to the first floor locked upon returning home with a police protection officer. The complaint states she was made to wait outside for nearly an hour before being allowed entry, causing humiliation and mental cruelty.

Orissa High Court Had Refused Discharge

Earlier, the Orissa High Court had declined to discharge Mohanty, along with co-accused Sujit Dalei and Khagesh alias Khagendra Prasad Sahoo, from the criminal case. In a judgment delivered on 30 January 2026, a single-judge Bench of Justice B P Routray held that the allegations and witness statements collected during investigation disclosed a prima facie case warranting trial. The High Court observed that the issues raised by the accused could be examined only in the course of evidence, and that at the stage of framing of charges, courts need only determine whether sufficient grounds exist to proceed — not undertake a detailed appreciation of evidence.

Who Are the Key Figures

Both Anubhav Mohanty and Varsha Priyadarshini are prominent figures in the Odia film industry. Mohanty also served as a Member of Parliament from Odisha. The couple has since obtained a divorce, though multiple matrimonial and criminal litigations have continued to run in parallel following the breakdown of their marriage.

What Happens Next

With the trial stayed, the criminal proceedings in the lower court are on hold until the Supreme Court rules on Mohanty's plea for quashing. Responses from the State of Odisha and Priyadarshini are now awaited before the next hearing on 7 August. The outcome will determine whether the long-running case proceeds to full trial or is extinguished at this stage.