Authority: High Court of Odisha at Cuttack

Order Date: 16 October 2026

Case Overview

  • Parties: Petitioner – Janakalyan College of Nursing, District‑Kendrapara, represented by Chairman Vaisnav Charan Sahoo; Opposite Parties – State of Odisha and other respondents (Opposite Parties 2 and 3).
  • Counsel: For Petitioner – Mr. M.K. Khuntia; For Opposite Parties – Mr. S.K. Jee (Advocate General) and Mr. R.C. Mohanty (advocate for O.P.2 and O.P.3).
  • Nature of Proceeding: Writ petition under Articles 226 & 227 of the Constitution seeking a direction to grant renewal of No Objection Certificate (NOC) for conducting the B.Sc. Nursing course for the current academic year.
  • Background: The college had previously obtained NOC renewals for earlier years. For the present academic year, it missed the deadline to apply for renewal. The original admission deadline for the B.Sc. Nursing course was 30 September 2026, later extended to 31 October 2026.
  • Earlier Judicial Direction: In W.P.(C) No.7990 of 2026, the Court on 13 August 2026 allowed similarly situated institutions to apply for NOC renewal by paying an extra Rs 50,000, with a final application date of 24 August 2026. The order was described as a one‑time measure with no precedent value.
  • Arguments: Petitioner argued that the extension of the admission deadline to 31 October 2026 creates a fresh opportunity to apply for NOC renewal. Opposite Parties contended that the earlier order was a one‑time measure and extending it would invite further similar claims.
  • Supreme Court Reference: The Court cited State of Odisha vs. Priyambada Pattanaik, SLP No.10598 of 2024, decided on 9 September 2024, which held that even if an order is said to lack precedential effect, identical facts and circumstances may justify applying the same relief.

Final Outcome

  • The Court, applying the principle of parity, extended the benefit to the petitioner.
  • The petitioner is directed to submit the NOC renewal application (either via e‑Portal or physically) on or before 17 October 2026 (one day from the date of the order).
  • The petitioner must deposit an additional amount of Rs 60,000 over and above the regular fees, as it did not demonstrate a diligent attempt to apply before the earlier deadline.
  • Upon receipt of the application, the concerned authorities must act in accordance with law and aim to render a decision preferably on or before 27 October 2026.
  • Failure to comply with the 17 October deadline will result in no further extension being granted.
  • The writ petition is hereby disposed of.

Topics: NOC Renewal, Nursing Education