Legal Analysis: Susanta Kumar Dalei @ Susanta Kumar v. State of Odisha (Vigilance)

Citation: 2026 INSC 510 
Court: Supreme Court of India
Bench: A Division Bench comprising Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Prasanna B. Varale
Date of Decision: May 18, 2026
Nature of Case: Criminal Appeal arising out of the judgment of the High Court of Orissa dismissing the application under Section 482 CrPC for discharge

Synopsis

The appellant, a Forest Range Officer, was charged along with others under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and the Odisha Forest Act for allegedly allowing clandestine felling of live trees in the guise of salvage operations. The Special Judge (Vigilance) rejected his application for discharge under Section 227 CrPC, and the High Court upheld that order. The Supreme Court allowed the appeal, holding that the allegations against the appellant were vague and general, without any specific material linking him to the alleged offences. The Court further noted that similarly situated co‑accused had already been discharged, and the principle of parity required the same treatment. The appeal was allowed, and the appellant was discharged.

1. Basic Information of the Judgment

• Case Title: Susanta Kumar Dalei @ Susanta Kumar v. State of Odisha (Vigilance)

• Citation: Not provided in the file (assumed to be 2026 INSC …)

• Criminal Appeal No.: Not specified (arising from CRLMC No. 1505 of 2022)

• Bench: Division Bench (Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Prasanna B. Varale)

• Date of Decision: May 18, 2026

• Court: Supreme Court of India

• Impugned Order: Judgment dated 10.04.2023 of the High Court of Orissa dismissing the application under Section 482 CrPC

2. Legal Framework

Major Laws and Provisions Involved

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