Authority: High Court of Odisha, Cuttack Bench

Order Date: 24 June 2026

Case Overview

  • Petitioner: PB Construction, represented by managing partner Bijay Paikaray and counsel Ms. Sonali Panda.
  • Opposite Party: State of Odisha, represented by Commissioner‑Cum‑Secretary, Department of Steel and Mines and AGA Mr. G. Tripathy.
  • The dispute concerns a demand notice issued by the Deputy Director of Mines, Cuttack Circle, requiring payment of a compounding fee of Rs 2,05,331 for alleged illegal transportation of sand using tipper vehicle registration OD‑02‑AB‑0165.
  • The petitioner challenged the notice through writ petition WP(C) No.18683 of 2026.

Final Outcome

  • The Court disposed of the writ petition, allowing the authorities to proceed in accordance with law.
  • As an interim measure, the petitioner may secure release of the vehicle by depositing Rs 25,000 in cash and providing the balance of the fee as property security within 15 days of the order, together with a certified copy of the order and the writ petition.
  • Upon compliance, the vehicle will be released in favour of the petitioner, subject to the final decision of the authority.

Topics: Legal; Mining Regulation