This e-mail originated from outside of Times Of India And TimesGroup. Exercise caution before you click on any link or open attachments.February 25, 2026Lalmohan PatnaikCuttack: The Orissa High Court has directed the Superintendent of Police (SP), Subarnapur, to immediately take steps to contact 15 migrant workers from Subarnapur and Balangir districts who are allegedly being illegally detained at a brick kiln in Telangana.Hearing a petition on February 23, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M. S. Raman instructed the SP to verify the allegations and act in accordance with law if any wrongdoing is found.The petition, filed by 15 persons, alleged illegal detention and exploitation by a brick field owner in Telangana. “The petition has vividly revealed the owner of the brick field stationed in the State of Telangana and, therefore, there is no impediment on the part of the Police administration to take an appropriate step in this regard,” the court recorded.“We, therefore, direct the Superintendent of Police (SP), Subarnapur to immediately take steps to contact the petitioners, who are allegedly detained at the said brick field. In the event, the allegation has any semblance of truth, further steps as required under law should be ensured,” the bench said.According to the plea, the workers had migrated “in pursuit of better condition of life and to earn livelihood,” but were forced to work in violation of statutory safeguards. They were allegedly not provided adequate food, were prevented from leaving the worksite and denied medical care in case of illness.Taking serious note of the allegations, the bench observed: “It raises a serious concern as the slavery of the forced labour has been abolished and the detention of such nature cannot be appreciated in a civilized society.”The matter has been posted to March 16, 2026, when the SP is expected to submit a report detailing the progress made in compliance with the court’s direction.Although the court noted that there was authorisation on behalf of only one petitioner to file the petition, it chose to proceed considering the gravity of the matter, stating it found no obstacle in examining the petition on that petitioner’s behalf.xxx