Orissa High Court
WP(C)/13408/2026 of KALU DALEI Vs THE COLLECTOR, NAYAGARH on 9 September 2026
of 3 IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK W.P.(C) No. 13408 of 2026 CNR No.ODHC010314512026 Kalu Dalei …. Petitioner(s) Mr. Sarat Chandra Mekap, Adv. -versus- Collector, Cuttack & Ors. …. Opposite Party(s) Ms. Gayatri Patra, ASC (for O.P. Nos.1 to 6) CORAM: HON’BLE DR.
IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK
W.P.(C) No. 13408 of 2026
CNR No.ODHC010314512026
Kalu Dalei
….
Petitioner(s)
Mr. Sarat Chandra Mekap, Adv.
-versus-
Collector, Cuttack &
Ors.
….
Opposite Party(s)
Ms. Gayatri Patra, ASC (for O.P. Nos.1 to 6)
CORAM:
HON’BLE DR. JUSTICE SANJEEB K PANIGRAHI
Order No.
03.
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ORDER
09.09.2026
1. This matter is taken up through hybrid arrangement.
2. Heard learned counsel for the Petitioner and learned counsel for the State.
3. By filing the present Writ Petition, the Petitioner seeks removal of encroachment over Plot No.672, Khata No.522, area 20 ft. x 18 ft., Kissam “Rasta (Sarbasadharana)”, Mouza- Rabera, which is stated to be a Government road used by the villagers for ingress and egress.
4. It appears from the materials on record that the Revenue Inspector, Odagaon, had reported encroachment over the said public passage and Criminal Misc. Case No.169 of 2020 was initiated by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Nayagarh. Though an eviction order was passed on 26.10.2021, the matter was subsequently forwarded to Tahasildar, Odagaon, for fresh adjudication after following due procedure and the principles of natural justice.
5. A public road recorded as “Rasta (Sarbasadharana)” cannot be permitted to be obstructed by private persons, as it affects the common right of the villagers to ingress and egress. The competent Revenue Authority is duty-bound to protect Government/public-use land and take action against unauthorised occupation in accordance with the Odisha Prevention of Land Encroachment Act, 1972 and the Rules framed thereunder.
6. Accordingly, the Tahasildar, Odagaon (O.P. No.3) is directed to:
(i) Measure and demarcate the entire Plot No.672, Mouza- Rabera with reference to the relevant revenue records and identify the encroached portion, if any;
(ii) Complete the necessary proceedings under the OPLE Act/Rules by following due process of law and principles of natural justice; and
(iii) If any unauthorised encroachment over the public road is found, remove the same and restore the road to public use.
(iv) The entire exercise shall be completed preferably within two months from the date of communication of this order.
7. The writ petition is accordingly disposed of.
8. Pending application (s), if any, shall stand disposed of.
9. Issue urgent certified copy of this order as per Rules.
(Dr. Sanjeeb K Panigrahi) Judge
Sipun