Authority: High Court of Odisha at Cuttack

Order Date: 17-06-2026

Case Overview

  • Petition filed by Chittaranjan Rout (Petitioner) against State of Odisha & Others (Opposite Parties) seeking issuance of a promotion letter based on Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) recommendation dated 27.01.2026.
  • The petitioner claimed eligibility for promotion from Senior Fisheries Technical Assistant to Assistant Fisheries Officer, but alleged inaction by Opponent Party No.1 in approving the recommendation.
  • The petition referenced a prior order dated 21.05.2026 in W.P.(C) No. 11840 of 2026, where the Court directed the same opponent to decide on the DPC recommendation within two weeks.
  • After the 21.05.2026 order, the Department of Fisheries & ARD issued a notification on 15.06.2026 extending promotion benefits to eligible Assistant Fisheries Officers to the rank of District Fisheries Officer (Group‑A), but the petitioner’s specific promotion request remained pending.
  • Counsel for the petitioner reiterated that the DPC had found him eligible and requested the Court to direct the opponent to approve the promotion without further delay.
  • The Additional Standing Counsel for the opponent expressed no objection to an order similar to that in W.P.(C) No. 11840 of 2026.

Final Outcome

  • The Court, after hearing counsel for both sides, directed Opponent Party No.1 to take a decision on the DPC recommendation dated 27.01.2026 concerning the promotion from Senior Fisheries Technical Assistant to Assistant Fisheries Officer, preferably within two (2) weeks from receipt of the order.
  • While deciding, the opponent must consider the relevance and effect of the benefit extended by the 15.06.2026 notification for Assistant Fisheries Officers promoted to District Fisheries Officers.
  • The writ petition is hereby disposed of.

Topics: Promotion, Fisheries Department