Bhubaneswar, Jun 15: The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Odisha government on a plea filed by actor and former Member of Parliament Anubhav Mohanty seeking the quashing of a criminal case lodged by his ex-wife, actress Varsha Priyadarshini, alleging harassment and mental cruelty.

Background of the Case

Anubhav and Varsha, both leading figures in the Odia film industry, married in 2014. Their relationship later soured, resulting in multiple legal disputes, including divorce and domestic violence proceedings.

During proceedings under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, a magistrate permitted Varsha to reside on the first floor of their Cuttack home and directed round-the-clock police protection.

In December 2020, Varsha filed a complaint alleging Anubhav and his two associates prevented her from entering the first floor despite a subsisting court order. The FIR stated the entrance was locked and chained, forcing her to remain outside late at night until police intervened.

Allegations and Charges

Varsha alleged the incident was a deliberate attempt to harass and humiliate her. Police registered a case against Anubhav and filed a chargesheet for offences including cruelty, criminal intimidation, wrongful restraint, obscenity, and insulting the modesty of a woman. Two associates were also named.

High Court’s Order

Anubhav sought discharge before the trial court, which rejected his plea. He then approached the Orissa High Court. In January 2026, Justice BP Routray dismissed his revision petition, holding that at the stage of framing charges, the court only needed to determine whether a prima facie case existed. The High Court noted that police personnel present at the scene corroborated the complainant’s allegations.
Also Read: Orissa High Court Allows Divorce To Anubhav Mohanty From Varsha, Overturns Family Court Order

Supreme Court Notice

A Bench of Justices Sandeep Mehta and Vijay Bishnoi now sought the Odisha government’s response to Anubhav’s challenge against the High Court order, which had refused to discharge him from the case.