IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK W.P. (C) Nos. 26812, 26991 & 27290 of 2024 (Applications under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India)

In W.P.(C) No.26812 of 2024 Diptimayee Lenka ...… Petitioner -Versus-

State of Odisha and Others ..…. Opp. Parties Advocate(s) appeared in this case:-

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For Petitioner : Mr. Niranjan Lenka, Advocate For Opp. Parties : Mr. Surya Narayan Patnaik, [Addl. Government Advocate]

In W.P.(C) No.26991 of 2024 Annapurna Majhi ...… Petitioner -Versus-

State of Odisha and Others ..…. Opp. Parties Advocate(s) appeared in this case:-

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For Petitioner : Mr. Saroj Kumar Dash, Advocate For Opp. Parties : Mr. Surya Narayan Patnaik, [Addl. Government Advocate]

In W.P.(C) No.27290 of 2024 Juli Mohanta ...… Petitioner -Versus-

State of Odisha and Others ..…. Opp. Parties Advocate(s) appeared in this case:-

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For Petitioner : Mr. Niranjan Lenka, Advocate For Opp. Parties : Mr. Surya Narayan Patnaik, [Addl. Government Advocate]

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CORAM:

JUSTICE SASHIKANTA MISHRA

J U D G M E N T

10.07.2025 SASHIKANTA MISHRA, J.

All the three writ applications involve common facts and law for which they are heard together and are being disposed of by this common judgment. For brevity the facts of the W.P.(C) No.26812 of 2024 are only reflected in this judgment.

2. An advertisement was issued on 10.07.2024 by the CDPO, Bhuban inviting applications from eligible candidates for engagement as Anganwadi Worker of Jaypur-3 Anganwadi Center including Bedhapal-1 Anganwadi Center. The petitioner was one of the applicants. In the selection process, the petitioner was found to have secured the highest marks and was thus selected. Accordingly, by order dated 13.08.2024 she was engaged as Anganwadi Worker of the Center. However, by order dated 01.10.2024 of the CDPO, Bhuban, purportedly on the orders of the Sub-Collector dated 01.10.2024, the selection of Anganwadi Worker was cancelled. The petitioner submitted a representation addressed to the Collector along with others but no action was taken thereon. On the contrary, a fresh advertisement was issued on 17.10.2024, copy of which is enclosed as Annexure-6 to the writ application. In the order dated 01.10.2024 the Sub-Collector, Kamakshyanagar, cancelled the advertisement dated 10.07.2024 on the ground of ‘adoption of procedural defect’ in selection of Anganwadi Worker. Being aggrieved, the petitioner has approached this Court with the following prayer:-

“The petitioner therefore humbly prays that this Hon’ble Court may be graciously pleased to admit the writ petition, issue Rule Nisi in the nature of writ of mandamus or any other writ(s) as it deems fit and proper, calling upon the Opposite Parties to show cause as to why the order No.4301, dated 01.10.2024 passed by the Opposite Party No.3 vide Annexure-7 and Order No.884 dated 01.10.2024 issued by CDPO, Bhuban under Annexure-4 and the subsequent advertisement No.917 dated 17.10.2024 issued by the CDPO, Bhuban under Annexure-6, so far as the petitioner concerned shall not be quashed and why the petitioner shall not be allowed to discharge her duties as Anganwadi Worker in respect of Bedhapal-1 Anganwadi Center pursuance to letter No.695 dated 13.08.2024 under Annexure-3 within a stipulated period with all service benefits.

And if the Opposite Parties fail to show cause or show insufficient cause the said rule be made absolute and, Pass any other writ/writs, order/orders as this Hon’ble Court deems fit and proper in the facts and circumstances of the case. For this act of your kindness the petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray.”

3. Be it noted that, in the connected writ applications also the petitioners were applicants and being selected and engaged in the other Anganwadi Center have challenged the cancellation of the advertisement