CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has taken serious note of allegations that migrant workers from Odisha were illegally detained and forced to work at a brick kiln in Telangana, calling the issue a matter of grave concern in a civilised society. Hearing a writ petition in the nature of habeas corpus on February 23, a two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice MS Raman was informed that 15 people from Subarnapur and Balangir districts were allegedly confined by a brick field owner in Telangana.
“The instant writ petition in the nature of habeas corpus is taken out by several petitioners alleging their illegal detention by the brick field owner in Telangana state,” the bench recorded in its order.
The bench directed the Superintendent of Police of Subarnapur to immediately contact the petitioners allegedly detained at the brick kiln. If the allegations were found to have ‘any semblance of truth’, further legal action must follow, it added.
The matter has been listed for March 16, 2026. The SP has been asked to submit a report detailing the progress made in implementing the court’s directions.