WP(C)/27446/2026 of ELOM PINUYEL TAKRI Vs STATE OF ODISHA on 28 August 2026

ORDER

28.08.2026 Order No. 01

1. This matter is taken up through hybrid mode.

2. Heard learned counsel for the Parties.

3. Petitioner has filed the present writ petition inter alia with the following prayer:- “In the aforesaid facts and circumstances, it is therefore humbly prayed that this Hon'ble Court may graciously be pleased to admit the writ petition, call for the records and, after hearing the parties, issue an appropriate writ, order or direction:

(i) to quash and/or suitably modify Letter No.5985 dated 10.08.2026 issued by Opposite Party No.2 and the consequential actions taken by Opposite Party No.4 vide Letters No.2798 and 2800 dated 17.08.2026, to the extent the same have the effect of displacing or replacing the petitioner from the duties of Driver;

(ii) to direct the Opp. Parties in the event the electric vehicle is hired and 23tilized for official work of Opposite Party No.4, to permit the petitioner to discharge the duties of Driver in respect of such vehicle, subject to the applicable rules and orders of the competent authority;

(iii) to direct the Opp. Parties to allow the petitioner to continue as Jeep Driver with all service benefits.

(iv) to direct the Opposite Parties not to discontinue or replace the petitioner by an outsourced driver solely on account of hiring of the electric vehicle during pendency of consideration of his claim; and

(v) to pass such other order or orders as this Hon'ble Court may deem fit and proper in the interest of justice and equity. 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.1 by enclosing all the relevant documents and citations in support of her claim, if any, within a period of two (2) weeks hence.

5. It is observed that if such representation is filed within the aforesaid time period, Opp. Party No.1 shall do well to take a lawful decision on the same within a period of six (6) weeks from the date of receipt of such representation. The order so passed by Opp. Party No. 1 be communicated to the Petitioner.

6. Since it is contended that because of purchasing of an electric vehicle in terms of letter dated 10.08.2026 so issued under Annexure- 11 series by the office of Opp. Party No.2, Petitioner is apprehending disengagement from his work on the face of recommendation made by the Collector under Annexure-10, it is observed that if Petitioner will express his willingness and proof that he can also drive the electric vehicle to be purchased by the office of Opp. Party No.4, the same shall be taken into consideration, while considering the claim of the Petitioner.

7. Till a decision is taken on the application to be made by the Petitioner, no coercive action be taken against the Petitioner.

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

(BIRAJA PRASANNA SATAPATHY)

Judge

Jyoti Digitally Signed Signed by: JYOTIPRAVA BHOL Reason: Authentication Location: HIGH COURT OF ORISSA Date: 29-Aug-2026 16:56:09 Signature Not Verified