17.06.2021. In this background of case an allegation is made that promotion of the petitioner taking effect in the year 2021 has been kept in sealed cover only on the premises that a vigilance proceeding involving the petitioner is pending since 2011. For the settled position of law, this Court in disposal of the writ petition observes, petitioner cannot suffer for the long pendency of the vigilance proceeding. It is also not known when the Vigilance Proceeding initiated in the year 2011 will come to end. It is keeping in this view, this Court in disposal of the writ petition directs the Principal Secretary to Govt. of Odisha, Housing and Urban Development Department, Bhubaneswar-O.P. No.1 to give promotion to the petitioner to the rank of Superintending Engineer from 31.05.2021, i.e., the date of his junior and batchmates got such promotion. However the promotion of the petitioner as per direction of this Court shall be subject to the ultimate outcome in the Vigilance Proceeding. Further it is also clarified that the promotion given to the petitioner to different ranks shall not confer equity in the event, he will ultimately lose the Vigilance Proceeding. Entire exercise shall be completed within four weeks from the date of communication of this direction. It is also clarified that upon promotion, petitioner shall also be entitled to all consequential benefits.
