IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK ABLAPL No.308 of 2026 Banamali Behera …. Petitioner Mr. B.K. Das, Advocate -Versus- State of Odisha …. Opposite Party Ms. B.K. Sahu, AGA CORAM: MR. JUSTICE R.K. PATTANAIK Order No. ORDER 16.01.2026 01. 1. Considering the submission of learned counsel for the respective parties and in view of the plea of the petitioner that he has been summoned by the local police in connection with the alleged incident even though not an accused, this Court is inclined to hold that he shall be so summoned in terms of Section 179 BNSS for the purpose of investigation. This Court is also of the view that in case the petitioner is required to be arrested as one of the accused persons, in that case, he shall not be taken into custody immediately at least for a period of three weeks so as to enable him to seek regular or pre-arrest bail as the situation demands. 2. ABLAPL stands disposed of accordingly. (R.K. Pattanaik) Judge Alok