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IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK

W.P.(C) No.374 of 2026

In the matter of an application under Article 226 & 227 of the Constitution of India, 1950.

(cid:0)«(cid:0)«(cid:0)«(cid:0)«(cid:0)«(cid:0)«

Mukteswar Kathar (cid:0)«(cid:0)(cid:17) Petitioner

-versus-

State of Odisha & Others (cid:0)«(cid:0)(cid:17) Opp. Parties

For Petitioner : Ms. S. Dash, Advocate For Opp. Parties : Mr. S.P. Das, ASC

PRESENT:

THE HONBLE JUSTICE BIRAJA PRASANNA SATAPATHY

Date of Hearing: 09.04.2026 and Date of Judgment: 09.04.2026

Biraja Prasanna Satapathy, J .

1. This matter is taken up through Hybrid

Arrangement (Virtual/Physical) Mode.

2. Heard learned counsel appearing for the Parties.

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3. Pursuant to the order dtd.07.03.2026, learned Addl. Standing Counsel basing on the instruction

contended that the proceeding has not yet been disposed and only enquiry report has been submitted

(cid:0)D(cid:0)Q(cid:0)G(cid:0)(cid:3) (cid:0)W(cid:0)K(cid:0)U(cid:0)H(cid:0)H(cid:0)(cid:3) (cid:0)P(cid:0)R(cid:0)Q(cid:0)W(cid:0)K(cid:0)V(cid:0)•(cid:0)(cid:3) (cid:0)W(cid:0)L(cid:0)P(cid:0)H(cid:0)(cid:3) (cid:0)E(cid:0)H(cid:0)(cid:3) (cid:0)D(cid:0)Oe(cid:0)O (cid:0)R(cid:0)Z(cid:0)H(cid:0)G proceeding in accordance with law.

4. The present Writ Petition has been filed inter alia with the following prayer:-

(cid:0)·(cid:0)(cid:3)(cid:0),(cid:0)Q(cid:0)(cid:3)(cid:0)Y(cid:0)L(cid:0)H(cid:0)Z(cid:0)(cid:3)(cid:0)R(cid:0)I(cid:0)(cid:3)(cid:0)W(cid:0)K(cid:0)H(cid:0)(cid:3)(cid:0)I(cid:0)D(cid:0)F(cid:0)W(cid:0)V(cid:0)(cid:3)(cid:0)D(cid:0)Q(cid:0)G(cid:0)(cid:3)(cid:0)F(cid:0)L(cid:0)U(cid:0)F(cid:0)X(cid:0)P(cid:0)V(cid:0)W(cid:0)D(cid:0)Q(cid:0)F(cid:0)H(cid:0)V(cid:0)(cid:3)(cid:0)V the Petitioner respectfully prays that this Hon’ble

Court may be pleased to:

i. Admit the writ petition;

ii. Issue Rule Nisi calling upon the Respondents to show cause as to why the writ petition shall not be

allowed;

After hearing the parties and perusing the records, issue a writ in the nature of certiorari or any other appropriate writ, order or direction quashing the disciplinary proceedings initiated vide Order No. 12019/T dated 17.07.2001 (Annexure-1), the decision

to re-enquire vide Letter No. 6342/T dated 08.09.2009 (Annexure-2), and the appointment of Inquiry Officer vide Letter No. 9759 dated 03.09.2024

(Annexure-3);

iv. Grant such other relief(s) as this Hon’ble Court may deem fit and proper in the interest of justice, equity,

and good conscience;

AND FOR THIS ACT OF KINDNESS, THE PETITIONER (cid:0)$(cid:0)6(cid:0)(cid:3)(cid:0),(cid:0)1(cid:0)(cid:3)(cid:0)’(cid:0)8(cid:0)7(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:3)(cid:0)%(cid:0)2(cid:0)8(cid:0)1(cid:0)’(cid:0)(cid:3)(cid:0)6(cid:0)+(cid:0)$(cid:0)/(cid:0)/(cid:0)(cid:3)(cid:0)((cid:0)9(cid:0)((cid:0)5(cid:0)(cid:3) (cid:0)3(cid:0)5(cid:0)$(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:17)(cid:0)µ

5. It is contended that even though Petitioner while in service the proceeding was initiated vide

Memorandum dtd.14.06.2001 under Annexure-1, but

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the same was never disposed of prior to retirement of the Petitioner on 31.07.2006.

5.1 . It is also contended that even though Petitioner retired on 31.07.2006, but because of pendency of the proceeding he was only sanctioned with the provisional pension and all his retiral benefits were kept withheld.

In spite of such long wait, when the proceeding was never disposed of, the present Writ Petition has been filed for quashing of the same, on the ground of delay

and having no fault lies with the Petitioner.

6. In support of the submission, reliance was placed to the (cid:0)G(cid:0)H(cid:0)F(cid:0)L(cid:0)V(cid:0)L(cid:0)R(cid:0)Q(cid:0)(cid:3)(cid:0)R(cid:0)I(cid:0)(cid:3)(cid:0)W(cid:0)K(cid:0)H(cid:0)(cid:3)(cid:0)+(cid:0)R(cid:0)Q(cid:0)•(cid:0)E(cid:0)O(cid:0)H(cid:0)(cid:3)(cid:0)$(cid:0)S(cid:0)Hf (cid:0)[(cid:0)(cid:3)(cid:0)&(cid:0)R(cid:0)X(cid:0)U

State of Andhra Pradesh vs. N. Radhakishan reported in AIR 1998 SC-1833 (cid:0)(cid:17)(cid:0)(cid:3)(cid:0)(cid:3)(cid:0)+(cid:0)R(cid:0)Q(cid:0)•(cid:0)E