Authority: High Court of Odisha, Cuttack

Order Date: 27-10-2026

Case Overview

  • Parties: Petitioner – Jagruti Goud; Opposite Parties – State of Odisha & Ors., including Collector, Sundargarh (Opposite Party No.2) and M/s. Vedanta Limited (Opposite Party No.4).
  • Nature of Proceeding: Writ Petition (Civil) challenging the State Government’s failure to provide employment or cash in lieu of employment to the petitioner after land acquisition for a coal mining project.
  • Background: The petitioner’s family’s homestead, agricultural land, and house were acquired under Section 4(1) read with Section 17(4) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, for a coal mining project initially undertaken by M/s. Bhushan Limited and later transferred to M/s. Vedanta Limited. She claims entitlement to rehabilitation benefits under the Odisha Resettlement and Rehabilitation Policy, 2006.
  • Precedent Cited: A similar petition (W.P.(C) No.36075 of 2023) from a resident of Jamkani village resulted in the Collector, Sundargarh extending cash in lieu of employment to that petitioner, as ordered by this Court on 08.11.2023.
  • Petitioner’s Representation: A representation dated 24.02.2026 (Annexure‑4) was submitted to the Collector, Sundargarh, seeking a similar benefit.
  • Opposition’s Argument: Counsel for Vedanta Limited (Opposite Party No.4) contended that the petitioner is not similarly situated to the 2023 petitioner and therefore cannot automatically claim the same benefit.

Final Outcome

  • The Court, without expressing an opinion on the merits, directed the Collector, Sundargarh, to consider and dispose of the petitioner’s representation dated 24.02.2026 in accordance with law, by a reasoned order.
  • The Collector must afford a hearing to both the petitioner and Vedanta Limited, consider the latter’s contention, and communicate the decision to the petitioner.
  • The exercise must be completed as expeditiously as possible, preferably within four weeks from the date the petitioner receives a certified copy of this order.
  • The writ petition is hereby disposed of.

Topics: Land Acquisition, Resettlement & Rehabilitation