OHRC Directs BDA to Halt Evictions at Subarnapur-Sampur Bhoodan Slum Until Final Decision

Bhubaneswar, Odisha : On 23rd July 2026, the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has issued an interim recommendation directing the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) not to evict families currently residing under temporary shelters at the Odisha Vinoba Nagar (Subarnapur) Sampur Bhoodan Slum until the final disposal of Case No. 1611 of 2026, Subhashree Pradhan vs. State of Odisha. The Commission passed the interim order after observing the plight of families rendered homeless following the demolition of their dwellings and noting concerns over the legality of the eviction process.

The Commission took note of a reply submitted by the General Administration & Public Grievance Department through the Joint Director of Estates-cum-Joint Secretary to the Government of Odisha (Letter No. 19147/CA dated June 18, 2024), which stated that the disputed land has been recorded in the name of the Government since 1962 under the Orissa Survey & Settlement Act, 1958, and the Orissa Survey Settlement Rules, 1962.

The BDA, in its reply, expressed its inability to comply with the Commission’s earlier interim recommendation to provide temporary shelter to the affected families, arguing that such a direction could encourage land grabbing and embolden encroachers.

However, the Commission observed that it was not deciding the issue of land ownership at this stage. It noted that several families have been living in miserable conditions under polythene sheets following the demolition of their dwellings and that the situation has worsened during the rainy season. The Commission also recorded a prima facie finding that the eviction had not been carried out in accordance with the Odisha Development Authorities (ODA) Act, which mandates adherence to the Odisha Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1972, while evicting encroachers.

In view of these circumstances, the OHRC recommended that the BDA refrain from evicting the families presently staying under temporary shelters until the matter is finally decided. It clarified that the interim protection does not permit the construction of permanent structures or the occupation of the land by any new families claiming prior residence.

The Commission further stated that if any order of the Hon’ble High Court or any other competent court is in force that is inconsistent with its interim recommendation, the judicial order will prevail.

The case has been adjourned to September 3, 2026, for further hearing.

Also read earlier three articles published on same issue :

(1) BDA’s “Deceptive” Response to CMO Grievance Cell Raises Questions Over Non-Implementation of OHRC Rehabilitation Recommendation

(2)Humanitarian Crisis Deepens for Evicted Families Amid Incessant Rain and Continued Non-implementation of OHRC Order

(3) Bhubaneswar Slum Evictions Amid Severe Heatwave: OHRC Directs BDA to Provide Temporary Rehabilitation