IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK W.P.(C) No. 20998 of 2026 Smita Bhutia ..... Petitioner Mr. P.K. Dutta, Adv. -versus- State of Odisha & Ors. ..... Opposite Parties Mr. S.P. Das, ASC CORAM: THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE BIRAJA PRASANNA SATAPATHY ORDER 13.07.2026 Order No. 01 1. This matter is taken up through hybrid mode. 2. Heard learned counsel for the Petitioner and learned counsel appearing for the Opp. Parties. 3. Petitioner has filed the present writ petition inter alia with the following prayer:- “It is therefore most humbly prayed that this Hon'ble Court may be graciously pleased to admit the writ petition, call for records. Issuing notice to the opposite parties, issue RULE NISI and after hearing both sides this Hon'ble Court may be pleased to quash the appointment/engagement of Opposite Party No. 8 as Gender Community Resource Person. Balipokhari, Gram Panchayat (Gender CRP). and directing the Opposite Parties to undertake a fresh selection process for the post of Gender Community Resource Person (Gender CRP) strictly in accordance with the applicable guidelines, after affording equal and fair consideration to all eligible candidates, including the Petitioner; Page 1 of 2. And pass any other order orders, direction/directions for the better interest of justice, equity and good conscience; And for this act of your kindness the petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray.”

4. However, taking into account the claim raised in the present Writ Petition, liberty is granted to the Petitioner to make a fresh representation before Opp. Party No.2 by enclosing all the relevant documents and citations in support of his claim, if any, within a period of three (3) weeks hence. 5. It is observed that if such representation is filed within the aforesaid time period, Opp. Party No. 2 shall do well to take a lawful decision on the same within a period of three (3) months from the date of receipt of such representation. The order so passed by Opp. Party No. 2 be communicated to the Petitioner. 6. Opp. Party No.2 is directed to take a decision with opportunity of hearing to Petitioner as well as Opp. Party No.8. 7. With the aforesaid observation and direction, the Writ Petition is disposed of. (BIRAJA PRASANNA SATAPATHY) Judge Jyoti Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed Signed by: JYOTIPRAVA BHOL Reason: Authentication Location: HIGH COURT OF ORISSA Date: 14-Jul-2026 12:17:55 Page 2 of 2.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK W.P.(C) No. 20998 of 2026 Smita Bhutia ..... Petitioner Mr. P.K. Dutta, Adv. -versus- State of Odisha & Ors. ..... Opposite Parties Mr. S.P. Das, ASC CORAM: THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE BIRAJA PRASANNA SATAPATHY ORDER 13.07.2026 Order No. 01 1. This matter is taken up through hybrid mode. 2. Heard learned counsel for the Petitioner and learned counsel appearing for the Opp. Parties. 3. Petitioner has filed the present writ petition inter alia with the following prayer:- “It is therefore most humbly prayed that this Hon'ble Court may be graciously pleased to admit the writ petition, call for records. Issuing notice to the opposite parties, issue RULE NISI and after hearing both sides this Hon'ble Court may be pleased to quash the appointment/engagement of Opposite Party No. 8 as Gender Community Resource Person. Balipokhari, Gram Panchayat (Gender CRP). and directing the Opposite Parties to undertake a fresh selection process for the post of Gender Community Resource Person (Gender CRP) strictly in accordance with the applicable guidelines, after affording equal and fair consideration to all eligible candidates, including the Petitioner; Page 1 of 2. And pass any other order orders, direction/directions for the better interest of justice, equity and good conscience; And for this act of your kindness the petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray.”

4. However, taking into account the claim raised in the present Writ Petition, liberty is granted to the Petitioner to make a fresh representation before Opp. Party No.2 by enclosing all the relevant documents and citations in support of his claim, if any, within a period of three (3) weeks hence. 5. It is observed that if such representation is filed within the aforesaid time period, Opp. Party No. 2 shall do well to take a lawful decision on the same within a period of three (3) months from the date of receipt of such representation. The order so passed by Opp. Party No. 2 be communicated to the Petitioner. 6. Opp. Party No.2 is directed to take a decision with opportunity of hearing to Petitioner as well as Opp. Party No.8. 7. With the aforesaid observation and direction, the Writ Petition is disposed of. (BIRAJA PRASANNA SATAPATHY) Judge Jyoti Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed Signed by: JYOTIPRAVA BHOL Reason: Authentication Location: HIGH COURT OF ORISSA Date: 14-Jul-2026 12:17:55 Page 2 of 2.