Cuttack Municipal Corporation gets Orissa HC notice on vending zone near Law University

The Orissa High Court has issued a notice to the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) commissioner over a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the construction of a vending zone near Madhusudan Law University’s upcoming second campus in the Jobra area of the city. 

The PIL, filed by university council officials, including president Sravani Sahoo, claims the project threatens campus accessibility and traffic flow.

Key Concerns in the PIL

The petitioners argued that the vending zone, being built along the northern boundary wall of the university’s second campus, would obstruct the planned main entrance and disrupt vehicular movement on the adjacent service road.

They highlighted risks of traffic congestion, particularly affecting access to facilities like a 300-seat women’s hostel, classrooms for 5-year integrated LLB students, and a gymnasium-auditorium.

The university also plans to beautify the area with landscaping, which the vending zone could undermine.

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Court’s Directive

A division bench of Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice MS Raman declined to impose an interim stay on construction but directed the CMC to submit its response by May 1, the next hearing date.

The court emphasised the need to review the civic body’s stance before deciding on the plea for a status quo order.

University’s Expansion Plans

Madhusudan Law University, currently hosting 1,020 students across LLB and LLM programs at its main campus near College Square, aims to bolster infrastructure with its second campus. 

The new site includes academic blocks, a guest house, and green spaces intended to enhance the campus environment.