Hemanta Jena Vs State of Odisha — Orissa HC (2026) — LawSathi Research

Hemanta Jena Vs State of Odisha — Orissa HC (2026) — LawSathi Research

What the court decided

AI extract

Outcome

Direction to the Collector, Kendrapara (O.P. No.2) to consider the Petitioners' representation dated 20.04.2026 within six weeks from receipt of the order of this Court, along with a copy of the writ petition, and to intimate the decision so taken to the Petitioners.

Issue for consideration

Whether the inaction of the authorities in taking any action relating to the alleged substandard work in construction of the residential Seva Asram and other infrastructural works of Dhumata Gram Panchayat, despite the Petitioners' representation dated 20.04.2026, calls for a direction from this Court.

Court's answer

Considering that the allegation relates to syphoning of public fund, the Collector, Kendrapara (O.P. No.2) is directed to consider the Petitioners' representation stated to have been submitted on 20.04.2026 within six weeks from the date of receipt of the order of this Court along with a copy of the writ petition, and the decision so taken shall be intimated to the Petitioners.

Key takeaways

This Court has not expressed any view regarding the veracity of the claim made by the Petitioners.obiter¶31

Detailed headnote1 paragraphs

Writ petition by four residents of Dhumata Gram Panchayat alleging inaction of the authorities on substandard construction of a residential Seva Asram and other Panchayat infrastructural works and syphoning of public funds, despite a representation dated 20.04.2026 to the Collector, Kendrapara and an RTI reply said to disclose irregularities. The State contended the authorities were already in seisin of the matter. Directing attention to the nature of the allegation, the High Court (V. Narasingh, J.) directed the Collector, Kendrapara to consider the representation within six weeks of receipt of the order, along with a copy of the writ petition, and to intimate the decision to the Petitioners, while expressly refraining from expressing any view on the veracity of the claims. The writ petition stood disposed of accordingly.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK

W.P. (C) No.19661 of 2026

1. Hemanta Jena

… Petitioners

2. Dipak Samal

3. Manish Das

4. Debabrata Jena

Mr. S. B. Mohanty, Advocate

-versus-

1. State of Odisha, …. Opposite Parties represented through its Secretary Department of Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Lok Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar

2. Collector, Kendrapara

3. Block Development Officer, Kendrapara

4. Jr. Engineer, under B.D.O. Kendrapara

5. District Welfare Officer, Kendrapada

6. Superintendent of Police (Vigilance), Kendrapara

Mr. P. K. Ray, AGA

CORAM: JUSTICE V. NARASINGH

ORDER

02.07.2026

Order No.

01. 1. Heard learned counsel for the Petitioners and

learned counsel for the Opposite Parties.

Page 1 of 3

The Petitioners claiming to be the residents of Dhumata Gram Panchayat have approached this Court against the inaction of the authorities in taking any action relating to substandard work in construction of residential Seva Asram and other infrastructural works of the Panchayat. 3 Learned counsel for the Petitioners, referring to the reply received under the RTI Act, submits that in spite of such irregularities having come to light, no action has been taken, notwithstanding the submission of representation dated 20.04.2026 to the Collector (O.P. No.2), on extraneous consideration.

For convenience of reference the reply under

RTI Act is extracted hereunder:-…………………

Page 2 of 3

Learned counsel for the State submits that since the authorities are already in seisin of the matter, no direction is necessary to be issued.

Considering the nature of allegation, which relates to syphoning of public fund, the Collector, Kendrapara (O.P. No.2) is directed to consider the representation of the Petitioners stated to have been submitted on 20.04.2026 within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of the order of this Court along with copy of the writ petition.

And, the decision so taken shall be intimated to the Petitioners.

It is made clear that this Court has not expressed any view regarding the veracity of the claim made by the Petitioners.

Accordingly, the writ petition stands disposed of.

(V. NARASINGH)

Judge

Jina

Signature Not Verified

Page 3 of 3

Digitally Signed Signed by: JINA DIGAL Reason: Authentication Location: High Court of Orissa Date: 03-Jul-2026 15:13:54