In an unusual case, the Orissa High Court on Tuesday imposed a ₹1,000 fine on a woman for misusing judicial resources by filing a petition to reclaim her pet dog.

The petitioner, Tilottama Padhihari, had previously lodged a dowry harassment complaint at the Cuttack Women’s Police Station in 2023.

Following the FIR, authorities seized dowry-related items from her in-laws’ residence, but her pet dog remained with them.

Unhappy with the situation, Padhihari moved the High Court, seeking the return of the dog. However, the court criticized her for bringing a matter before the judiciary that should have been resolved through police intervention. Expressing strong disapproval, the court directed her to withdraw the petition and levied the fine for wasting judicial time.

Advocate Byomkesh Tripathi represented the petitioner in the case.