Bhubaneswar: Odisha government came down heavily on the practice of Kangaroo courts following a shocking incident in Rayagada district, where a tribal couple was reportedly subjected to a humiliating punishment for being in a relationship.

Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan strongly condemned the incident and warned of strict action against those participating in such illegal activities. 

“The so-called punishment meted out by a Kangaroo court is both illegal and immoral. Such parallel justice systems have no place in a lawful society,” he said. “The state government has already initiated action. Anyone found conducting or participating in such unlawful gatherings will face strict punishment.”

The Rayagada incident has triggered widespread condemnation across Odisha, with demands for justice and stricter enforcement of legal norms in rural regions. The outrage stems from the reported punishment of a tribal couple from the same family, who were allegedly forced to leave their village—Kanjamajodi under Kalyansinghpur block—last week for being in a romantic relationship.

According to reports, the villagers convened a community meeting and decided to punish the couple under traditional tribal customs. In a disturbing video that has gone viral on social media, the couple is seen being forced to plough a field, carrying a wooden plough on their shoulders, after first offering prayers to the village deity.

Despite their reluctance, the villagers reportedly compelled them to carry out this degrading act, justifying it as a form of customary punishment.

Minister Harichandan noted that such incidents often occur due to lack of awareness, particularly in remote areas. “In some cases, influential individuals are misusing their authority to conduct these so-called courts, which are extremely harmful to society. The government is committed to ending this practice and will ensure stringent punishment for those who take the law into their own hands,” he added.

The state government’s response marks a strong stance against traditional but unlawful practices that continue to affect the dignity and rights of individuals in tribal and rural communities.