This chapter explores the legal changes from the pre-colonial period to the colonial period in the geographical region of Odisha, focusing on the effects of British colonial rule and the implications of its legal machinery. The British colonial government replaced local laws and customs that were unique to various social groups in India, imposing a uniform legal system across the entire subcontinent designed to create a surveillance network for controlling the local population. Against this historical backdrop, the study aims to highlight the contrasts between British legal views on “crime” and the Indian understanding of crime and justice, while also identifying areas of commonality and disagreement. By analysing the novels of Fakir Mohan Senapati (1843-1918), a famous Odia writer, particularly his depiction of the legal system, this study will examine how colonial rule influenced everyday life and shaped interactions with legal institutions and practices. Ultimately, the chapter investigates the colonial interpretation of law, the conception of crime in legal frameworks, and the significance of “Dharma” in shaping perceptions of sin as portrayed in Senapati’s writings.