Authority: High Court of Odisha at Cuttack
Order Date: 22 June 2026
Case Overview
- Petitioners: Santilata Rout and her spouse (unnamed) filed W.P.(C) No.12700 of 2023 and W.P.(C) No.12699 of 2023 challenging eviction orders issued by the Tahasildar, Sub‑Collector and Collector of Khurda.
- The petitioners, through United Universe Societies Organization (USSO), occupied two government parcels: Plot No.690 (0.070 acres, Khata No.932, status “Rakhit”) and Plot No.690/1844/2874 (0.030 acres, Khata No.934, status “Gruha Bibhaga”) in Mouza‑Palla, Khurda district.
- They claim occupation since 2001, having cleared the land and constructed a yoga foundation and a 30 ft × 30 ft office house, asserting the organization serves national interest.
- The State of Odisha initiated Encroachment Proceedings 17/22‑23 and 18/22‑23; eviction orders were passed by the Tahasildar, confirmed by the Appellate Court and the Revisional Court.
- The Court examined the Odisha Prevention of Land Encroachment Act, 1972, noting no provision for regularising unauthorised occupation even for “non‑government organisations”. No evidence of public service by USSO was found.
- The Court observed that the petitioners were given a hearing, but their long‑standing possession did not legalise the encroachment, and the land is earmarked for residential use by senior officials.
Final Outcome
Both writ petitions are dismissed; the eviction orders against the petitioners stand, and no relief is granted.
Topics: Land Encroachment, Government Property