IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK W.P.(C) Nos. 36470 & 36490 of 2021, W.P.(C) Nos.

9137 & 25137 of 2022 and W.P.(C) No. 3113 of 2026 W.P.(C) No. 36490 of 2021 In the matter of an application under Articles 226 & 227 of the Constitution of India.

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Hemabanti Patra & Ors. …. Petitioners -versus-

State of Odisha & Ors. …. Opposite Parties For Petitioners : Mr. S.K. Das, Advocate For Opp. Parties : Mr. A. Tripathy, Addl. Govt. Advocate Mr. N. Rath, Advocate (Opp. Party No. 2)

Ms. P. Rath, Sr. Advocate along with Ms. S. Prusty, Advocate (Private Opp. Parties)

PRESENT:

THE HON’BLE JUSTICE BIRAJA PRASANNA SATAPATHY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date of Hearing: 18.03.2026 & Date of Judgment: 05.05.2026 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Biraja Prasanna Satapathy, J

1. Since the issue involved in the present batch of writ petitions is identical and the preliminary issue is with regard to fixation of seniority in between the appointees to the rank of OAS Gr-A (JB) vide notification dt.04.03.2016 by way of direct recruitment and the promotees vide notification dt.17.10.2015, all the