Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Legislative Assembly has taken serious note of a breach of privilege notice filed by Narla MLA Manorama Mohanty against the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Kesinga and his staff, directing the Home Department to submit a detailed report on the matter within 15 days.

The directive was issued by Speaker after examining the complaint lodged by the legislator, who alleged that police personnel led by the Kesinga SDPO forcibly entered her official government residence at the MLA Colony in Bhubaneswar during the Assembly session.

In an official communication signed by Assembly Secretary Satyabrata Rout, the Odisha Legislative Assembly Secretariat informed the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department that the Speaker had sought a factual report on the allegations for further consideration. The Secretariat described the matter as urgent and asked the Home Department to take necessary steps to submit the report within the stipulated period.

Allegations of forced entry

According to the breach of privilege notice submitted by Mohanty under Rule 140 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, the incident took place on March 29, 2026, when a police team allegedly entered her official residence, Quarter No. DS-15/2 at Unit-IV MLA Colony, by breaking the main gate, doors and windows.

The MLA claimed she was not present at the residence when the incident occurred. She alleged that her daughter and a domestic help, who were inside the house, were misbehaved with by the police personnel. The complaint further alleged that male police personnel behaved inappropriately towards the domestic worker while she was changing her clothes, causing her severe mental distress.

Police were looking for MLA's husband

Mohanty stated that after returning home, she learnt that the police were searching for her husband, Durgaprasasad Mohanty, who is the Chairperson of the Narla Panchayat Samiti. According to the notice, the police said they had come to arrest him in connection with an FIR registered on the basis of a complaint lodged by the Narla Tahasildar.

The MLA alleged that the police failed to follow the prescribed legal procedure, including coordinating with the local police station before carrying out the operation. She claimed the action was intended to intimidate her and her family.

'Attack on Legislature's Privilege'

In her complaint, Mohanty argued that the official MLA quarters fall under the administrative control of the Odisha Legislative Assembly Secretariat. She contended that the alleged police action during an ongoing Assembly session amounted not only to a violation of her individual rights but also to an infringement of the collective privileges and dignity of the Legislature.

She further alleged that the action was aimed at preventing her from raising public issues, including matters related to crime against women and law and order in her constituency, thereby interfering with her legislative functions.

Seeking action, Mohanty requested that the matter be referred to the Assembly's Committee of Privileges for investigation and appropriate action.

Home Department to probe matter

Following the Speaker's direction, the Home Department will now examine all aspects of the case and submit a detailed report to the Odisha Legislative Assembly Secretariat within 15 days.

Based on the findings of the report, the Speaker will decide whether the matter should be referred to the Committee of Privileges or whether any other action is warranted. The case is being closely watched as it raises questions over legislative privilege and police procedure during an Assembly session.