IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK W.P.(C) No. 5568 of 2026 Jitendra Kumar Biswal …. Petitioner Mr. B. Rout, Advocate -versus-

1. State of Odisha …. Opposite Parties represented through its Commissioner-cum-

Secretary, Panchayat Raj Department, Bhubaneswar

2. Collector and District Magistrate, Bhadrak

3. Block Development Officer, Chandbali, Bhadrak

4. Assistant Executive Engineer, RWS&S Sub-

Division, Chandbali, Bhubaneswar

5. Junior Engineer, RWS&S , Chandbali Division, Bhadrak Mr. M.R. Mohanty, AGA CORAM: JUSTICE V. NARASINGH

ORDER

20.02.2026 Order No.

01. 1. Heard learned counsel for the Petitioner and learned counsel for the State.

2. The Petitioner in his capacity as the Sarpanch of Kherang Gram Panchayat has filed this writ petition seeking a direction to the Opposite Party Nos.3 & 4-Block Development Officer, Chandbali, Bhadrak & Assistant Executive Engineer, RWS&S Sub-Division, Chandbali, Bhubaneswar respectively for installation of tube wells for supply of drinking water at the identified places, on the basis of resolution of Pali Sabha.

3. It is submitted that though initially the Pali Sabha had identified 35 locations on the basis of communication of Opposite Party No.4, but the same was scaled down to 7 for resubmission of the list.

4. Thereafter, a fresh list for installation of 10 tube wells on the basis of the minutes of the meeting of the Grama Sabha dated 23.12.2025 was submitted.

5. It is stated that notwithstanding the same the tube wells are not being installed at the designated places on extraneous considerations, thereby depriving the inhabitants of their basic rights.

6. It is further submitted that ventilating their grievance, the Petitioner along with the villagers have submitted a representation to the Opposite Party No.2-Collector and District Magistrate, Bhadrak on 10.02.2026 and alleging inaction the present writ petition has been filed.

7. Learned counsel for the State submits that without pursuing the remedy the Petitioner has rushed to this Court.

8. Per contra, it is submitted by the learned counsel for the Petitioner that since the matter relates to supply of drinking water and the Petitioner assails the inaction of the authorities, the writ petition is maintainable.

9. Considering the rival submissions, this Court is of the considered view that interest of justice would be subserved by directing the Opposite Party No.2-Collector and District Magistrate, Bhadrak to take a decision on the representation submitted (Annexure-5) stated to be dated 10.02.2026 within a period of four weeks hence from the date of receipt of the copy of this order along with the copy of the writ petition.

10. The decision so taken shall be communicated to the Petitioner.

11. This Court has no iota of doubt that while taking such decision the Opposite Party No.2- Collector and District Magistrate, Bhadrak shall keep in mind the grievance as ventilated by elected representatives.

12. Accordingly, the writ petition stands disposed of.

Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed Signed by: AYESHA R O U T (V. Narasingh)

Reason: Authentication

Location: High Court o f Orissa, Cuttack Judge

Date: 23-Feb-2026 13:18:18

Ayesha