WP(C)/28981/2026 of SUSIL KUMAR PANDA Vs STATE OF ODISHA on 11 September 2026

ORDER

10.09.2026

01. 1. This matter is taken up through Hybrid Arrangement (Virtual/Physical) Mode.

2. Heard learned counsel for the Petitioner and learned counsel appearing for the Opp. Parties.

3. Petitioner has filed the present writ petition inter alia with the following prayer:- “ In view of the facts and circumstances stated hereinabove, it is therefore most humbly prayed that this Hon'ble Court may graciously be pleased to:

a) Admit and allow the present writ petition;

b) Set-aside the order dated 08.06.2026 at Annexure-9 directing for discontinuance of one Driver in Ganjam District where the petitioner is continuing.

c) Issue a writ in the nature of Mandamus and/or any other appropriate writ, order or direction directing the Opposite Parties to permit the petitioner to resume and continue his duties as Contractual Driver in the District Excise Office, Ganjam.

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d) Declare that the action of the Opposite Parties in discontinuing/preventing the petitioner from discharging his duties with effect from 01.05.2026, being illegal, arbitrary, discriminatory and violative of Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India;

e) Direct the Opposite Parties to treat the petitioner as continuing in service from 30.06.2026 and extend all consequential contractual benefits admissible to him, subject to the terms and conditions of his engagement;

f) Direct the Opposite Parties not to replace the petitioner by another similarly situated contractual/outsourced Driver so long as the requirement of such Driver continues and the services of similarly situated contractual Drivers are being retained; Pass any other order(s), direction(s) or writ(s) as this Hon'ble Court may deem fit and proper in the interest of justice and equity; And for which act of kindness the petitioner shall as in duty bound ever pray”.

4. In course of hearing, learned counsel for the Petitioner states that highlighting his grievance, Petitioner has made a representation to Opposite Party No.2 vide Annexure-8 and the same may be directed to be considered within a stipulated time, to which learned Counsel for the State has no objection.

5. As agreed by learned counsel for the parties and after going through the records, this Court, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, disposes of the Writ Petition directing Opposite Party No.2 to consider the representation filed by the Petitioner vide Annexure-8 within a period of two (2) months in

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accordance with law from the date of production of certified copy of this order with due communication to the Petitioners.

6. Accordingly, the Writ Petition stands disposed of.

(Biraja Prasanna Satapathy) Subrat

Judge Digitally Signed Signed by: SUBRAT KUMAR BARIK Reason: Authentication Location: HIGH COURT OF ORISSA, CUTTACK Date: 11-Sep-2026 15:07:33 Signature Not Verified