WP(C)/28743/2026 of BAJARANGBALI SHG, BHADRAK Vs STATE OF ODISHA on 10 September 2026

ORDER

10.09.2026 Order No. 01

1. This matter is taken up through hybrid 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 the aforesaid facts and circumstances, the Petitioner most respectfully prays that this Hon'ble Court may graciously be pleased to:

a. issue a writ in the nature of certiorari, or any other appropriate writ, order or direction, quashing Communication No.l3387/FS&CW dated 06.08.2026 issued by Opposite Party No.l, particularly paragraph 1 read with paragraph 3 thereof, to the extent that it omits or excludes Women Self-Help Groups from undertaking farmer registration and consequential paddy- procurement activities for KMS 2026-27;

b. issue a writ in the nature of mandamus directing the Opposite Parties to include and consider eligible WSHGs, including the Petitioner, for farmer registration and paddy-procurement activities for KMS 2026-27 in accordance with the guidelines dated 12.09.2019 and

Page 2 of 2. 13.09.2019 and the arrangement prevailing during KMS 2025-26;

c. direct the Opposite Parties to formulate and apply transparent, objective and non-discriminatory eligibility and performance criteria for the selection and engagement of procurement agencies, and to assess each WSHG individually instead of imposing a blanket exclusion upon the entire class; pass such other writ, order or direction as this Hon'ble Court may deem fit and proper in the interests of Justice, equity and fair play. And for this act of kindness, the Petitioner, as in duty bound, shall ever pray.”

4. However, taking into account the claim raised in the present Writ Petition, liberty is granted to the Petitioner to make a fresh representation before Opp. Party No.3 by enclosing all the relevant documents and citations in support of his claim, if any, within a period of three (3) weeks hence.

5. It is observed that if such representation is filed within the aforesaid time period, Opp. Party No.3 shall do well to take a lawful decision on the same within a period of three (3) months from the date of receipt of such representation. The order so passed by Opp. Party No.3 be communicated to the Petitioner.

6. With the aforesaid observation and direction, the Writ Petition is disposed of.

(BIRAJA PRASANNA SATAPATHY) Judge Jyoti/Utkalika Digitally Signed Signed by: UTKALIKA NAYAK Designation: Sr Stenographer Reason: Authentication Location: High Court of Orissa, Cuttack Date: 11-Sep-2026 16:22:00 Signature Not Verified