Authority: High Court of Odisha, Cuttack
Order Date: 06 July 2026
Case Overview
- Petitioner: Pratima Pradhan, represented by Adv. Soma Patnaik and S. Pal.
- Opposite parties: State of Odisha; Vice Chancellor, Utkal University; Registrar, Utkal University.
- Petition seeks issuance of a Rule Nisi directing the opposite parties to appoint the petitioner under the Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme on compassionate grounds, alleging illegal and arbitrary denial.
- Background: Petitioner's father, a temporary gardener at Utkal University hostel, was regularized retrospectively to 27‑11‑2004; he died on 16‑04‑2016, leaving family in financial distress. Petitioner's brother died on 12‑11‑2022. Petitioner applied on 02‑02‑2026 for compassionate appointment; mother declined to seek appointment.
- State counsel noted petitioner had not approached the university before filing and expressed willingness to comply if directed.
Final Outcome
- Court directs petitioner to file a detailed representation with the Registrar of Utkal University, including all grounds and supporting documents.
- Registrar (Opposite Party No.3) must consider the grievance in accordance with law, applicable rules, and government notification, and render a final decision within three months of receiving the order.
- The decision must be communicated to the petitioner within ten days of the final decision.
- The writ application is disposed of; a certified copy of the order to be issued as per rules.
Topics: Legal Relief, Employment Welfare