Authority: High Court of Odisha, Cuttack
Order Date: 27 October 2026
Case Overview
- Petitioner: Ballabi Gardia, claiming displacement due to acquisition of land (Khata No.56/9 Mouza Mendra and Khata No.80/15 Mouza Jamkani) for coal mining originally by Bhushan Limited, later transferred to Vedanta Limited (Opposite Party No.4).
- Opposite Parties: State of Odisha, Collector Sundargarh (Opposite Party No.2), Vedanta Limited (Opposite Party No.4) and other respondents.
- The petition seeks employment or cash in lieu of employment under the Odisha Resettlement and Rehabilitation Policy, 2006, alleging loss of homestead, agricultural land and house.
- The matter was taken up through a hybrid arrangement (video conferencing/physical mode) before a bench of Dr. Justice Sanjeeb K Panigrahi and Mr. Justice Murahari Sri Raman.
- Reference is made to a prior writ petition W.P.(C) No.36075/2023 where cash in lieu of employment was granted; Opposite Party No.4 contends the present petitioner is not similarly situated.
- Petitioner submitted a representation dated 24 February 2026 to the Collector, Sundargarh, requesting consideration in light of the 2023 order.
Final Outcome
- The Court, without expressing an opinion on the merits, directs the Collector, Sundargarh, to consider the 24‑Feb‑2026 representation, afford a hearing to both the petitioner and Opposite Party No.4, and issue a reasoned order in accordance with law within four weeks of the petitioner producing a certified copy of this order.
- The Collector must communicate the decision to the petitioner.
- The writ petition is hereby disposed of.
Topics: Land Acquisition, Resettlement & Rehabilitation, Employment