Pratap Jena seeks more time in Mahanga double murder case; SC grants 4 weeks

Hearing the Mahanga double murder case, the Supreme Court on Friday granted additional time to both former Odisha minister Pratap Jena and the state government to submit their responses. The case, which has attracted significant public and political attention in Odisha, relates to the killing of senior BJP leader Kulamani Baral and his associate Dibyasingha Baral in Mahanga in 2021.

During the latest proceedings, Pratap Jena, who has been named in petitions seeking his inclusion as an accused, sought more time to file his reply. The court accepted his plea and allowed him an extension. 

The state government also requested additional time to place its response, which was similarly permitted. The apex court has directed that replies must be filed within four weeks. Following this, the petitioner will have two weeks to submit a counter-reply.

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Importantly, the Supreme Court made it clear that the next hearing will be scheduled after two months. The petitioners, including the son of late Kulamani Baral, have approached the court demanding that Pratap Jena be formally recognised as an accused in the case.

The double murder had created a major uproar in Odisha, leading to allegations of political involvement and a long legal battle. The Supreme Court’s latest directions now set the stage for crucial developments when the matter is taken up again after two months.