The High Court
Case Details
IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK CONTC No.5882 of 2021 (In the matter of an application under Section 12 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971). Deepak Kumar Mohanty …. Petitioner(s) -versus- Mr. Arvind Singh & Anr. …. Opposite Party (s) Advocates appeared in the case through Hybrid Mode: : For Petitioner(s) Ms. Pami Rath, Sr. Adv. along with Miss Sagarika Sahoo, Adv. For Opposite Party (s) : Mr. S.P. Mishra, Sr. Adv. along with Mr. Lalitendu Mishra, Adv. for O.P.1 CORAM: DR. JUSTICE S.K. PANIGRAHI DATE OF HEARING:-22.04.2024 DATE OF JUDGMENT: -25.06.2024 Dr. S.K. Panigrahi, J. 1. The Petitioner through this CONTC has challenged the willful disobedience by the Opp. Parties in violation of the order dated 06.04.2021 passed by this Court in W.P(C) No. 2688 of 2016,. The Opp. Parties had participated in the hearing of the aforementioned Writ Petition and at the time of passing of the judgment dated 06.04.2021 and Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed Signed by: BHABAGRAHI JHANKAR Reason: Authentication Location: ORISSA HIGH COURT, CUTTACK Date: 25-Jun-2024 17:34:14 Page 1 of 16 have nevertheless willfully disobeyed the said judgment passed by this Court. I. FACTUAL MATRIX OF THE CASE: 2. The brief fact of the case is that: (i) The Petitioner was the employee of the then Central Electricity Supply Utility (now the present Opp. Parties) and he has completed more than 12 years of continuous service under the Opp. Parties, through Outsourcing Agencies. He was initially appointed as Office Assistant through an Outsourcing Agency and has discharged their duties continuously to the satisfaction of the authorities. (ii) As per Statutory Settlement dated 08.06.2010 arrived between the Management of the then CESU (now present Opp. Parties) and Trade Unions, Data Entry Operator, Accounts Assistant, Office Assistant and Bill Collector (on contract) if qualify in the Written and Viva voice test, will be taken as ’Clerk-B’ and on successful completion of six months training, will be regularized. Accordingly, the Petitioner appeared in the written test and having qualified the same, appeared in the Viva-Voce Test as well, for the post of Clerk-B Trainee. The result of the written test was declared vide office order dated 01.09.2014 and the same reflects the name of the Petitioner. The petitioner was thereafter called upon to appear in the Viva- Voce Test vide letter dated 31.10.2014 and thereafter the name of the Petitioner also reflected in the final select list which was prepared by the authorities. (iii) Even after the selection, the Opp. Parties did not publish the final result of the interview. Hence, the Petitioner along with others filed W.P.(C) Page 2 of 16
Legal Reasoning
Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed Signed by: BHABAGRAHI JHANKAR Reason: Authentication Location: ORISSA HIGH COURT, CUTTACK Date: 25-Jun-2024 17:34:14 No. 2688 of 2016, with a prayer to declare the result of the interview and accordingly regularize the service of the Petitioner. The said Writ
Decision
Petition was heard and disposed of by this Court vide judgment dated 06.04.2021 and relevant portion of the judgment is reproduced as follows: ".......For the aforesaid direction and keeping in view the development through the Tripartite Settlement as well as the development through Annexure-1 allowing the petitioners to participate in a Written Test finding them qualified in such Written Test further they have been called upon to attend the viva-voce test and such viva-voce test has not only been conducted but result thereof has also been kept in sealed cover. This Court is unable to appreciate the application of Umadevi (supra) to the case of the petitioners and rejecting their case thereby. It is for the aforesaid development up till allowing the petitioners to attend the viva-voce test and after holding the viva-voce test in terms of the settlement at Clause-6 of the Tripartite Settlement involved herein, it is open to the Competent Authority to declare the result of the petitioners in the viva-voce test and dependent on their merit in the viva-voce test vis-a-vis the interview for regularization should have been taken only in terms of Tripartite Settlement. It is in this view of the matter and for wrong application of Umadevi (supra) to the case of the petitioners, this Court finds the impugned order at Annexure-4 is a mechanical and illegal disposal one and it is in this view of the matter this Court sets aside the order at Annexure-4 and while allowing the Writ Petition directs the Competent Authority, the contesting opposite parties or substituted owner in the meantime if any to open the sealed cover involving the petitioners, in the viva-voce test dependent on the outcome in the viva-voce test take decision in the matter of interview altogether. Action appropriate as Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed Signed by: BHABAGRAHI JHANKAR Reason: Authentication Location: ORISSA HIGH COURT, CUTTACK Date: 25-Jun-2024 17:34:14 Page 3 of 16 involving the petitioners on the aspect of their regularization in the post of Clerk-B (trainee) by undertaking the complete exercise within a period of one and half months from the date of communication of the order by either party. This Court keeping in view the unnecessary delay in declaring the result of the petitioners in the viva-voce test and the suffering to each of the petitioners for almost seven years for no lawful impediment and по fault with the petitioners in the declaration of their result, also observes in the event the petitioners are found suitable in the viva- voce test and ultimately qualifies in the interview each of the successful candidates shall be deemed to be regularized at least with effect from one month after holding of the viva- voce test. So far as the arrear salary involving Clerk- B (trainee) is concerned, the Authority while considering their regularizations from the period indicated hereinabove may treat the period in between as notional but however they shall be entitled to regular scale of Clerk B (trainee) from the date their results in viva-voce test are declared. For the Writ Petition succeeds, the petitioners will also be entitled to any other benefit given to similarly situated persons in view of their regularization. With this direction, the writ petition stands succeeds. However there is no order as to costs.” (iv) The Petitioner made a representation dated 12.04.2021 to the opp. Parties, along with copy of the judgement but no action was taken. Hence finding no other alternative, the Petitioner with others filed CONTC No. 3216 of 2021, on 08.06.2021. This Court was pleased to dispose of the contempt application vide order dated 21.06.2021 and directed the Opp. Parties to comply with the order dated 06.04.2021 within a period of three months from the date of communication/ production of certified copy of this order by the Petitioner. Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed Signed by: BHABAGRAHI JHANKAR Reason: Authentication Location: ORISSA HIGH COURT, CUTTACK Date: 25-Jun-2024 17:34:14 Page 4 of 16 (v) The Petitioner vide representation dated 25.06.2021, communicated the judgment of this Court, to the Opp. Parties. However, it is submitted that on 02.08.2021, the Opp. Party has issued the appointment letter to all the employees, who had appeared in the Viva-Voce Test, excluding the present petitioner. The petitioner does not know as to why he has been singled out by the Opp. Parties. Thereafter, on 18.08.2021, the Opp. Party no.2 has declared the results of the viva-voice as per the judgment of this Court but the Petitioner was not issued any appointment letter. (vi) The petitioner vide representation dated 03.08.2021 and 21.09.2021 has requested the Opp. Parties to issue appointment letter to him as has been issued to all the other employees who appeared in the viva voce. However, the Opp. Parties have not taken any action over the representation till date and have willfully not complied with the judgment of this Court. (vii) Hence, this Writ Petition. II. SUBMISSIONS ON BEHALF OF THE PETITIONER: 3. Learned counsel for the Petitioner earnestly made the following submissions in support of his contentions. (i) It is submitted that in spite of the direction by this Court, the Opp. Parties are sitting over the matter. This shows the non-challant attitude of the Opp. Parties towards the judgment of this Court. The action of the Opp. Parties is evident of personal vendetta, bias and discrimination towards the present petitioner. The Opp. Parties have also disobeyed the judgement of this Court in the first contempt Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed Signed by: BHABAGRAHI JHANKAR Reason: Authentication Location: ORISSA HIGH COURT, CUTTACK Date: 25-Jun-2024 17:34:14 Page 5 of 16 application. Such act on part of the opp. Parties is disrespectful and contemptuous. (ii) It is submitted that the Petitioner who has worked continuously for more than 12 years is now age barred. In spite of the direction by this Court, the Opp. Parties are sitting over the matter. This shows the attitude of the Opp. Parties towards the judgment of this Court. The action of the Opp. Parties reflects personal vendetta, bias and discrimination towards the present petitioners. (iii) In such view of the matter, learned counsel for the Petitioner prays for allowing this Writ Petition. III. SUBMISSIONS ON BEHALF OF THE OPPOSITE PARTY : 4. Learned counsel for the Opposite Party No.1 earnestly made the following submissions in support of his contentions. (i) It is submitted that Sri Deepak Kumar Mohanty (the petitioner) was serving as Office Assistant in erstwhile CESU and was engaged through Out-sourcing Agency M/s Famous Security Services. As per the decision of the Management Board of erstwhile CESU in its 25th meeting held on 31.05.2010 and Tripartite Settlement with the majority of Trade Unions dated 08.06.2010, it was decided to give opportunity to all the personnel either on contract or engaged through outsourced agencies to come into regular fold of CESU through a selection process. (ii) While deciding on the criteria for bringing different category of personnel to regular fold, it was decided that the outsourced employees who had already completed one year of engagement in CESU through outsource agency, could be considered for regular positions. Based on Page 6 of 16 Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed Signed by: BHABAGRAHI JHANKAR Reason: Authentication Location: ORISSA HIGH COURT, CUTTACK Date: 25-Jun-2024 17:34:14 the terms of settlement, appx. 2112 persons engaged through outsourced/contractual mode were brought into erstwhile CESU fold through the process of selection. Appx. 121 (non-ITI) + 39 (Clerical) persons were left out as they have not completed one year of engagement as on the date of settlement i.e. 08.06.2010. (iii) Subsequently, for regularization of Outsourcing employees who were serving as Graduate Office Assistant Accounts Assistants/ DEOs/ Bill Collectors in CESU an internal Circulars bearing No.15683(37) dated 14.5.2012 & No.17521(5) dated 25.05.2012 were issued inviting applications from the outsourced candidates for the post of Clerk-B (Trainee). (iv) In response to the above, 89 nos. of applications were received out of which 40 candidates were found eligible. Accordingly, written test was conducted on 24.02.2013. As many as 39 candidates were appeared in the written test. Before declaration of the Written Test result, Sri Bedaprakas Pani & Nine others had filled a Writ Petition i.e., WP (C) No.4024/2013 before the High Court of Orissa, wherein this Court by way of an interim order dated 22.02.2013 in Misc. Case No.3060 of 2013 (arising out of WPC No.4024/2013) has passed the following order: "In the interim, it is directed that the result of the test for the post of Clerk-B (Trainee) in CESU to be conducted 24.02.2013 shall be subject to the final result of this writ application" (v) The Management of CESU by Office Order No. 23711 dated01.09.2014 (Annexure-2 of Contc. No.5882/2021) published the result of the Written Test conducted on 24.02.2013 with the stipulation that the above result Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed Signed by: BHABAGRAHI JHANKAR Reason: Authentication Location: ORISSA HIGH COURT, CUTTACK Date: 25-Jun-2024 17:34:14 Page 7 of 16 shall be subject to the final result of the Writ Application filed before the Court in WP (C) No.4024 of 2014. Subsequently, the interview was also conducted on 10.11.2014 & dated 11.11.2014 for the candidates who were short listed in the Written Test. It is a fact that the petitioner had appeared for the viva-voce test after qualifying the written test. (vi) As per Recruitment Policy, those who have qualified the written test were called for interview. On completion of interviews, the selection committee submitted a merit list in a sealed cover for necessary action. While the matter stood thus, the CESCO Ex- Serviceman Employees’ Union had filed a Writ Petition bearing WP(C) No.2759 of 2013 before this Court. Subsequently, the High Court of Orissa by order dated 29.04.2014 in Misc Case No.17076/2013 arising out of WP(C) No.2759 of 2013 have directed CESU to maintain status quo with regard to the place of working of the member of the CESCO Ex-Serviceman and by order dated 17.12.2014 in Misc Case No.21102 of 2014 arising out of the said Writ Petition has stated that during pendency of writ petition, the opposite party is going to regularize the services of other employees excluding the petitioners. If that be so, the opposite party is restrained to regularize the services of any of the employees till the matter is disposed of. (vii) This Court while disposing of the case have observed that “since the petitioner has claimed for regularization of service in the light of the judgment passed by the Apex Court in Umadevi and others (supra), let the authority apply their mind and pass appropriate order in accordance with law keeping in view the subsequent development taken place in the matter within a period of Page 8 of 16 Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed Signed by: BHABAGRAHI JHANKAR Reason: Authentication Location: ORISSA HIGH COURT, CUTTACK Date: 25-Jun-2024 17:34:14 four months from the date of communication of this order”. With the above observation and direction, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. Interim order passed earlier stands vacated. In obedience to the order passed by the High Court of Orissa the process of regularization of service of the afore-stated persons were restrained. (viii) It is submitted that the Management of erstwhile CESU had rejected the applications of Sri Deepak Kumar Mohanty (the petitioner) & 3 others vide letter No.1019 dated 12.01.2016 for regularization of service during disposal of representation towards compliance of direction dated 01.10.2015 of the High Court of Orissa passed in WP(C) No.17689/2015. (ix) Being aggrieved on the aforesaid rejection, the Petitioner approached before this Court in W.P.(C) No.2688 of 2016 and this Court on 06.04.2021 was pleased to set aside the order dated 12.01.2016 citing mechanical and illegal. This Court also did not appreciate the application of Umadevi(supra) to the case of the petitioners and directed to open the sealed cover involving the petitioners in the viva- voce test and based on the result, regularize them in the post of Clerk-B (Trainee) [now OAG-III(Trainee)] at least w.e.f. one month after holding the viva-voce test. The arrear salary may be treated as notional but they should be entitled to regular scale w.e.f. the date of publication of viva- voce result. As per the direction, the petitioner shall also be entitled to any other benefit given to similarly situated persons in view of the regularization. Further, as per the strict direction of this Court the entire exercise was to be completed within a period of one and half months from the date of communication of the order by either party. Page 9 of 16 Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed Signed by: BHABAGRAHI JHANKAR Reason: Authentication Location: ORISSA HIGH COURT, CUTTACK Date: 25-Jun-2024 17:34:14 (x) It is contended that in compliance with the order of this Court out of 24 candidates, 21 nos. of candidates had been regularized as OAG-III in TPCODL vide Office Order No.9543 dated 18.08.2021. (xi) Although the Petitioner had qualified in the viva-voce test conducted on 10th and 11th November, 2014, by the time this office received the final judgement of the Court vide order dated 06.04.2021, Sri Deepak Kumar Mohanty(the Petitioner) had been disengaged from the services with effect from 03.07.2019 for his involvement in misappropriation of revenue cash amounting to Rs.1,85,90,313 (One crore eighty-five lakhs ninety thousand three hundred thirteen). (xii) Further, while the petitioner was working as Office Assistant (engaged through outsource agency M/s Famous Security Services) was helping Sri Dhaneswar Sahoo in revenue work. During closing of the accounts for the financial year 2018-19 of Paradeep Electrical Division, Paradeep, it was found that, revenue cash amounting to Rs.1,85,90,313 (One crore eighty-five lakhs ninety thousand three hundred thirteen) has been misappropriated by Sri Dhaneswar Sahoo, Jr. Manager (Finance) of the Division. Sri Dhaneswar Sahoo, Junior Manager (Finance) was in charge of both General & Revenue Cashier of the Division was also assigned with the responsibility to receive and deposit the general as well as revenue cash in the respective Banks. During investigation it was also found that the petitioner had nexus with Sri. D.Sahoo, JM(Fin.) in the said misappropriation. (xiii) It is submitted that the Divisional Manager, PED, Paradeep had instructed M/s Famous Security Services to disengage Sri Mohanty vide Page 10 of 16 Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed Signed by: BHABAGRAHI JHANKAR Reason: Authentication Location: ORISSA HIGH COURT, CUTTACK Date: 25-Jun-2024 17:34:14 letter No.2770 dated 03.07.2019. Accordingly, Sri Mohanty was disengaged by the Agency vide letter No. 508 dated 03.07.2019. Economic Offence Wing P.S Case No.08 dated 23.05.2019 has also been registered against the Petitioner which is also under investigation. In the meantime, this Court vide order dated 03.08.2021 has granted anticipatory bail to Sri Mohanty on deposit of Rs.5,00,000/-(Rupees Five lakh) before the court of J.M.F.C (P), Kujanga (Annexure-3). It is because of this reason the compliance of the order dated 06.04.2021 in respect of the Petitioner could not be completed. (xiv) It is submitted that earlier CESU was dealing with the files of the above regularisation matters of the employees. By virtue of OERC order dated 26.05.2021 the present TPCODL stepped into the shoes of CESU. It is submitted here that, after TPCODL took over the utilities of CESU, TPCODL started assessing the documents/files & pending litigation and after due searching of the same against CESU, which now is upon the TPCODL to defend and control. So in the process, it could not have brought the development regarding Deepak Mohanty’s matter before this Court at the time of hearing of the main Writ Petition i.e. W.P.(C) No.2688 of 2016. Therefore, the communication gap and due to above stated facts the deponent tenders apology for not able to comply with the order in respect of Deepak Mohanty. (xv) Moreover, the Petitioner has also suppressed the material facts before this Court at the time of hearing that his case has already become infructuous by that point of time as he was no more in service under the Opp.party since 03.07.2019. Therefore, it is prayed before this Court to Page 11 of 16 Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed Signed by: BHABAGRAHI JHANKAR Reason: Authentication Location: ORISSA HIGH COURT, CUTTACK Date: 25-Jun-2024 17:34:14 drop the contempt proceeding as nothing subsists in the contempt proceeding against the Opp. Parties. IV. COURT’S REASONING AND ANALYSIS: 5. On account of non-publication of results, the Petitioner along with others filed W.P.(C) No. 2688 of 2016, with a prayer to declare the result of the interview and, accordingly, regularize the service of the petitioners. The said Writ Petition was heard and disposed of by this Court vide judgment dated 06.04.2021 and relevant portion of the judgment is reproduced as follows: ".......For the aforesaid direction and keeping in view the development through the Tripartite Settlement as well as the development through Annexure-1 allowing the petitioners to participate in a Written Test finding them qualified in such Written Test further they have been called upon to attend the viva-voce test and such viva-voce test has not only been conducted but result thereof has also been kept in sealed cover. This Court is unable to appreciate the application of Umadevi (supra) to the case of the petitioners and rejecting their case thereby. It is for the aforesaid development up till allowing the petitioners to attend the viva-voce test and after holding the viva-voce test in terms of the settlement at Clause-6 of the Tripartite Settlement involved herein, it is open to the Competent Authority to declare the result of the petitioners in the viva-voce test and dependent on their merit in the viva-voce test vis-a-vis the interview for regularization should have been taken only in terms of Tripartite Settlement. It is in this view of the matter and for wrong application of Umadevi (supra) to the case of the petitioners, this Court finds the impugned order at Annexure-4 is a mechanical and altogether. Action appropriate as Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed Signed by: BHABAGRAHI JHANKAR Reason: Authentication Location: ORISSA HIGH COURT, CUTTACK Date: 25-Jun-2024 17:34:14 Page 12 of 16 illegal disposal one and it is in this view of the matter this Court sets aside the order at Annexure-4 and while allowing the Writ Petition directs the Competent Authority, the contesting opposite parties or substituted owner in the meantime if any to open the sealed cover involving the petitioners, in the viva-voce test dependent on the outcome in the viva-voce test take decision in the matter of interview involving the petitioners on the aspect of their regularization in the post of Clerk-B (trainee) by undertaking the complete exercise within a period of one and half months from the date of communication of the order by either party. This Court keeping in view the unnecessary delay in declaring the result of the petitioners in the viva-voce test and the suffering to each of the petitioners for almost seven years for no lawful impediment and по fault with the petitioners in the declaration of their result, also observes in the event the petitioners are found suitable in the viva- voce test and ultimately qualifies in the interview each of the successful candidates shall be deemed to be regularized at least with effect from one month after holding of the viva- voce test. So far as the arrear salary involving Clerk- B (trainee) is concerned, the Authority while considering their regularizations from the period indicated hereinabove may treat the period in between as notional but however they shall be entitled to regular scale of Clerk B (trainee) from the date their results in viva-voce test are declared. For the Writ Petition succeeds, the petitioners will also be entitled to any other benefit given to similarly situated persons in view of their regularization. With this direction, the writ petition stands succeeds. However there is no order as to costs". 6. This Court on 06.04.2021 was pleased to set aside the order dated 12.01.2016 being mechanical and illegal. This Court also did not appreciate the application of the case of Umadevi (supra) to the case of Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed Signed by: BHABAGRAHI JHANKAR Reason: Authentication Location: ORISSA HIGH COURT, CUTTACK Date: 25-Jun-2024 17:34:14 Page 13 of 16 the Petitioner and directed to open the sealed cover involving the Petitioner in the viva-voce test and based on the result, regularize them in the post of Clerk-B (Trainee) [now OAG-III(Trainee)] at least w.e.f. one month after holding the viva-voce test. The arrear salary may be treated as notional but they should be entitled to regular scale w.e.f. the date of publication of viva-voce result. 7. As per the direction, the Petitioner shall also be entitled to any other benefit given to similarly situated persons in view of the regularization. That as per the strict direction of this Court the entire exercise to be completed within a period of one and half months from the date of communication of the order by either party. In this regard, the Opposite Party has clarified that in compliance with the order of this Court out of 24 candidates, 21 nos. of candidates had been regularized as OAG-III in TPCODL vide Office Order No.9543 dated 18.08.2021. 8. However, although the Petitioner had qualified in the viva-voce test conducted on dated 10th & 11th November 2014, by the time this office received the final judgement of the Court vide order dated 06.04.2021, Sri Deepak Kumar Mohanty(the Petitioner) had been disengaged from the services with effect from 03.07.2019 for his involvement in misappropriation of revenue cash amounting to Rs.1,85,90,313 (One crore eighty-five lakhs ninety thousand three hundred thirteen). 9. The Opposite Party has further clarified that while the Petitioner was working as Office Assistant (engaged through outsource agency M/s Famous Security Services) was helping Sri Dhaneswar Sahoo in revenue work. During closing of the accounts for the financial year 2018-19 of Page 14 of 16 Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed Signed by: BHABAGRAHI JHANKAR Reason: Authentication Location: ORISSA HIGH COURT, CUTTACK Date: 25-Jun-2024 17:34:14 Paradeep Electrical Division, Paradeep it was found that, revenue cash amounting to Rs.1,85,90,313 (One crore eighty-five lakhs ninety thousand three hundred thirteen) has been misappropriated by Sri Dhaneswar Sahoo, Jr. Manager (Finance) of the Division. Sri Dhaneswar Sahoo, Junior Manager (Finance) was in charge of both General & Revenue Cashier of the Division was also assigned with the responsibility to receive and deposit the general as well as revenue cash in the respective Banks. 10. During investigation, it was found that the Petitioner had nexus with Sri. D.Sahoo, JM(Fin.) in the said misappropriation. Accordingly, the Divisional Manager, PED, Paradeep had instructed M/s Famous Security Services to disengage Sri Mohanty vide letter No.2770 dated 03.07.2019. Accordingly, Sri Mohanty was disengaged by the Agency vide letter No. 508 dated 03.07.2019. Economic Offence Wing P.S Case No.08 dated 23.05.2019 has also been registered against the Petitioner which is also under investigation. In the meantime, High Court of Orissa vide order dated 03.08.2021 has granted anticipatory bail to Sri Mohanty on deposit of Rs.5,00,000/-(Rupees Five lakh) before the court of J.M.F.C (P), Kujanga. 11. This Court accedes to the submission of the Opposite Party that regularization of services of the Petitioner was not possible considering the fact that he was disengaged from the services on account of charges of misappropriation of funds. It is the prerogative of the Opposite Party to scrutinize the conduct of the candidates before being appointed or regularized. This Court cannot abuse the writ jurisdiction by interfering Page 15 of 16 Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed Signed by: BHABAGRAHI JHANKAR Reason: Authentication Location: ORISSA HIGH COURT, CUTTACK Date: 25-Jun-2024 17:34:14 with the Selection Process or Human Resource Policy unnecessarily unless there is a blatant violation of the fundamental right of the candidate. 12. In view of the aforesaid discussion, this Court is not inclined to entertain the prayer of the Petitioner. In fact, this Court does not find any contempt being committed by the alleged contemnor. 13. Accordingly, the contempt is dropped and the CONTC is disposed of. Judge (Dr. S.K. Panigrahi) Orissa High Court, Cuttack, Dated the 25th June, 2024/ Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed Signed by: BHABAGRAHI JHANKAR Reason: Authentication Location: ORISSA HIGH COURT, CUTTACK Date: 25-Jun-2024 17:34:14 Page 16 of 16