Orissa High Court
P.S.: Birmaharjpur vs State Of Orissa on 21 April, 2025
ORISSA HIGH COURT : CUTTACK
W.P.(C) No.7697 of 2025
In the matter of an Application under
Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India, 1950
***
1. Om Shiva Shakti Women Self-Help Group
Represented through
Secretary
Smt. Bharati Sahu
Aged about 28 years
Daughter of Harisankar Sahu
At: Baladi, PO: Narayanpur
PS: Tarbha, District: Subarnapur.
2. Uma Maheswari Women Self-Help Group
Represented through
Secretary
Smt. Arnnapurna Padhan
Aged about 44 years
Wife of Balgopal Padhan
At: Achanda, P.O.: Kenjhariapali
P.S.: Birmaharjpur
District: Subarnapur.
3. Baba Sidheswar Women Self-Help Group
Represented through
Secretary
Smt. Sobhagini Badamali
Aged about 54 years
Wife of Aruna Badamali
At/P.O.: Kadodar
W.P.(C) No.7697 of 2025 Page 1 of 23
P.S.: Birmaharjpur
District: Subarnapur. ... Petitioners
-VERSUS-
1. State of Orissa
Represented through
Secretary to Government
Department of Food Supply &
Consumer Welfare, Odisha
Bhubaneswar.
2. Collector-cum-District Magistrate,
Subarnapur.
3. Managing Director
Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd.
C-2, Nayapalli
Bhubaneswar - 751 012
District: Khordha.
4. Chief Civil Supplies Officer-cum-
District Manager
Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd.
Subarnapur. ... Opposite parties
Counsel appeared for the parties:
For the petitioner : M/s. Srinivas Mohanty,
Kabita Patra
Sujit Kumar Acharya and
Sushree Ranjan Mohanty,
Advocates
For the Opposite party : Mr. Dayanidhi Lenka,
Nos.1, 2 and 4 Additional Government Advocate
For the Opposite party : None
No.3
W.P.(C) No.7697 of 2025 Page 2 of 23
P R E S E N T:
HONOURABLE
MR. JUSTICE MURAHARI SRI RAMAN
Date of Hearing : 17.04.2025 :: Date of Order : 21.04.2025
O RDER
Aggrieved by non-consideration of the petitioners,
Women Self Help Groups ("WSHGs", for short), to
participate in the Kharif Marketing Season for the period
2024-25 with respect to paddy procurement qua Rabi
Crops and non-inclusion of their names vide Order
No.405, dated 12.03.2025 under Annexure-3 issued by
the Chief Civil Supplies Officer-cum-District Manager,
OSCSC, Subarnapur-Opposite Party No.4, the
petitioners have approached this Court by way of the
instant writ petition invoking provisions of Articles 226
and 227 of the Constitution of India with the following
prayer(s):
"The petitioners, therefore, pray that your lordship would
graciously be pleased to admit this writ petition, call for
the records and after hearing the parties direct the Opp.
Parties to allow the petitioners to participate in the
procurement of Paddy (Rabi Crop) 2024-25.
And pass any other and/or further order as deemed fit
and proper under the circumstances of the case.
And for this act of kindness, the petitioner, as in duty
bound, shall forever pray."
W.P.(C) No.7697 of 2025 Page 3 of 23
Facts:
2. Facts leading to filing of this writ petition, as emanating
from the pleadings, are narrated hereunder.
2.1. The District Social Welfare Officer ("DSWO") invited
willingness by issue of "Expression of Interest" from
WSHGs/Federations to become an Agent of the Odisha
State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited (abbreviated as
"OSCSC") in pursuance of the Guideline for Paddy
Procurement vide Letter No.1977/Mission Sakti, dated
16.09.2019, responding to which the petitioners
expressed their willingness.
2.2. In terms of Guidelines for selection and functioning of
WSHGS/SHG Federation as Paddy Procurement Agent of
OSCSC, the petitioners were required to have their own
infrastructure with laptop, printer, weighing machine,
inverter and internet connectivity for offline and online
paddy procurement. Therefore, the petitioners stated to
have availed loans for the management of their Office in
order to establish infrastructure as required under said
Guidelines.
2.3. Though the petitioners were selected on earlier crop
season after verification of their credentials for Kharif
Marketing Season (be called, "KMS"), notwithstanding
their expression of interest for KMS, 2024-25, they have
W.P.(C) No.7697 of 2025 Page 4 of 23
not been entrusted with the procurement of paddy with
respect to Rabi Crops.
2.4. The Office of the District Magistrate-cum-Collector,
Subarnapur (Food Safety & Consumer Welfare Section)-
Opposite Party No.2 issued Office Order No.405, dated
12.03.2025 indicating training programme on the dates
as per schedule for farmer registration for procurement
of paddy (Rabi Crop) with respect to KMS, 2024-25.
2.5. Since the petitioners are ignored/eliminated for availing
the benefit of participation in the said training
programme of farmer registration for procurement of
paddy (Rabi Crop), the present writ petition has been
filed invoking provisions of Article 226/227 of the
Constitution of India.
Hearing:
3. As the matter is stated to be urgent as the Marketing
Season for Rabi Crop is going to expire soon, and the
response of the opposite parties have already on record,
on the concession of counsel for both sides, the writ
petition is taken up for final disposal.
3.1. Heard Sri Srinivas Mohanty, Ms. Kabita Patra, Sri Sujit
Kumar Acharya, learned Advocates for the petitioners
and Sri Dayanidhi Lenka, learned Additional
W.P.(C) No.7697 of 2025 Page 5 of 23
Government Advocate for the opposite party Nos.1, 2
and 4.
3.2. On conclusion of hearing, the matter stood reserved for
preparation and pronouncement of Judgment/Order.
Rival contentions and submissions:
4. This Court on appreciation of aforesaid facts submitted
by Sri Srinivas Mohanty, learned counsel appearing for
the petitioners, vide order dated 18.03.2025 passed the
following order:
"5. List this matter on 25.04.2025. Counter affidavit, if
any, be filed on or before the said date.
6. As an interim measure, it is directed that without
prejudice the petitioners may be allowed to
participate in the training programme in their
respective areas, as per the schedule contained in
the Office order dated 12.03.2025 (Annexuer-3).
However, it is made clear that the petitioners shall
not claim any equity after being allowed to
participate in the training programme. The
participation in such training programme shall be
subject to result of the writ petition.
7. Free copy of this order be handed over to Mr.
Dayanidhi Lenka, learned Additional Government
Advocate during the course of the day for onward
communication to the opposite parties concerned."
4.1. Responding to the said order, counter affidavit has come
to be filed on behalf of opposite party Nos.1, 2 & 4.
W.P.(C) No.7697 of 2025 Page 6 of 23
5. Sri Srinivas Mohanty, learned counsel appearing for the
petitioners submitted that though this Court vide Order
dated 10.03.2025 in batch of matters, being W.P.(C)
No.29405 of 2024 (Maa Ashuragadian Women Self Help
Group, Subarnapur Vrs. State of Odisha and others), &c.
issued certain direction(s) to the opposite parties,
flouting the same the case of the petitioners were not
considered; rather the conduct and action of the
opposite parties would tantamount to overreaching the
order of this Court.
5.1. Sri Srinivas Mohanty, learned Advocate vehemently
contended that in the earlier round of litigation before
this Court it transpired that without granting
opportunity of hearing no adverse action could be taken
against the petitioners, who were found eligible on
earlier occasions for procurement of paddy. Without
involving the petitioners, the opposite parties should not
have issue Office Order dated 12.03.2025 fixing
schedule dates for training programme for farmer
registration.
5.2. Therefore, he urged that in view of order passed in the
batch matters referred to above, the petitioners are
eligible and entitled to participate in the procurement of
paddy (Rabi Crop) for KMS, 2024-25.
W.P.(C) No.7697 of 2025 Page 7 of 23
6. Objecting to such contention and refuting submission
made by the learned counsel for the petitioners, Sri
Dayanidhi Lenka, learned Additional Government
Advocate appearing for the opposite party Nos.1, 2 and 4
advanced argument that having regard to the aforesaid
Order dated 10.03.2025 passed in the batch of matters
training programme has been scheduled for farmer
registration for procurement of Paddy (Rabi Crop) with
respect to KMS 2024-25. The apprehension of the
petitioners is without comprehension.
6.1. He submitted that the detailed explanation has been
proffered in the counter affidavit and the opposite
parties in the earlier round of litigation have conceded to
the position that the process of paddy procurement was
limited to KMS 2024-25, which takes within its sweep
both the Kharif as well as the Rabi Crops.
6.2. The Office Order dated 12.03.2025 relates to KMS,
2024-25 with respect to Rabi Crops. Therefore, nothing
stated in the earlier round of litigation has been
transgressed or deviated. The petitioners, under
misconceived notion, have filed the present writ petition.
Therefore, the petition is liable to be dismissed being
premature.
Discussions and analysis:
W.P.(C) No.7697 of 2025 Page 8 of 23
7. The present writ petition relates to farmer registration
and procurement of paddy for KMS, 2024-25 (Rabi
Crop).
8. The Odisha Rice and Paddy Procurement (Levy) and
Restriction on Sale and Movement Order, 2013 defines
the term "Procuring Agency" in Clause 2(h) to mean "the
Food Corporation of India established under the Food
Corporation Act, 1964, Odisha State Civil Supplies
Corporation Ltd. established under the Companies Act,
1956, National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing
Federation (NAFED), Odisha State Cooperative
Marketing Federation (MARKFED) and Tribal
Development Cooperative Corporation of Odisha Ltd.
(TDCC) or any other Corporation, Company or
Cooperative Society appointed by the State Government
to purchase stocks of rice or paddy from a miller or a
producer directly or otherwise for cash and includes its
officers and sub-agents appointed by such Procuring
Agency".
8.1. Under the Odisha Public Distribution System (Control)
Order, 2016, it has been laid down as follows:
"4. Appointment of Dealers and Grant of License.--
(1) Dealers shall be appointed by licensing authorities
by following such procedure and in such manner as
may have been or may be prescribed by the State
Government.
W.P.(C) No.7697 of 2025 Page 9 of 23
(2) No Dealer shall be granted a license under this
Order unless he has been appointed as such by the
Licensing Authority under sub-clause (1).
(3) Preference for appointment and for grant of license
as dealer shall be given to Gram Panchayats or
Urban Local Body, as the case may be, followed by
Women Self Help Groups, Cooperative Societies, and
other Self Help Groups in that order:
Provided that the State Government may alter or
modify the order of preference by an order in writing.
(4) In case more than one Women Self Help Group or
Self Help Group make application for one vacancy of
dealership, the Women Self Help Group or Self Help
Group having higher grade and proven track record
shall be selected for appointment and for granting of
license as dealer.
(5) The license of persons other than those belonging to
the categories mentioned in Sub-clause (3) shall not
be renewed if applications from the categories
mentioned in Sub-clause (3) shall not be renewed if
applications from the categories mentioned in Sub-
clause (3) are available for being appointed as
dealers.
(6) The authority competent to appoint and to grant or
renew license under this Order shall make efforts to
replace private dealers with Institutional dealers like
Gram Panchayats or Municipalities, as the case may
be, Women Self Help Groups, Cooperative Societies,
and Self Help Groups, within a period of four years
from the date of publication this Order in the Official
Gazette.
W.P.(C) No.7697 of 2025 Page 10 of 23
(7) The officers specified in column (2) of the table given
below shall exercise the powers and perform duties
of Licensing Authority in respect of State Level
Transport Contractor, Level I and II Handling and
Transport Contractors for sugar zonal depot or
Retailer or Wholesaler of kerosene, as the case may
be, within their jurisdiction as specified in column (3)
thereof."
8.2. In exercise of powers conferred by proviso to sub-clause
(3) of Clause 4 of the Odisha Public Distribution System
(Control) Order, 2016, the Food Supplies & Consumer
Welfare Department has promulgated the following
order:
"FOOD SUPPLIES & CONSUMER WELFARE DEPARTMENT
ORDER
The 21st September, 2019
No.14362-FSCW-FS1-MISC-0003/2017/FS&CW
In exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to sub-
clause (3) of clause 4 of the Odisha Public Distribution
System (Control) Order, 2016, the State Government do
hereby modify the order of preference for appointment
and for grant of license to dealers as follows:
Preference for appointment and for grant of license
as dealer shall be given to Women Self Help Groups
followed by Gram Panchayats or Urban Local Bodies
as the case may, Cooperative Societies, and other
Self Help Groups in that order.
It shall come into force on the date of its publication in the
Odisha Gazette.
By Order of the Governor
Sd/-VIR VIKRAM YADAV
Commissioner-cum-Secretary to Government"
8.3. As per the Guidelines issued by the Government in Food
Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department vide Letter
No.13820, dated 12.09.2019, it is stipulated that any
Gram Panchayat if not represented by the
PACS/LAMPCS, for procurement of paddy in that Gram
Panchayat on behalf of the OSCSC, the WSHGs/SHG
Federations can be appointed. However, regarding
participation of the WSHGs/SHG Federation in such
paddy procurement operation during KMS 2024-25, a
Revised Guideline vide Letter No.20047, dated
12.07.2024 was issued by the Food Supplies and
Consumer Welfare Department, in pursuance of which a
decision has been taken to allocate work of procurement
to the procuring agencies as per their performance
during KMS, 2024-25.
8.4. It was impressed upon the Sub-Collector-cum-Chairman,
Sub-Divisional Level Paddy Procurement Committee,
Sonepur/Birmaharajpur vide Letter No.482/SW, dated
26.07.2024 of the Collector, Subarnapur that forty
numbers of Women Self-Help Groups were selected by
the District Level Committee for paddy procurement
operation from KMS, 2020-21 to 2023-24, on the basis
of the recommendation of Sub-Divisional Level
Committee. Nonetheless, as per instruction in Letter
No.10047/FS&CW, dated 12.07.2024, evaluation of
performance of the WSHGs, who were involved in
previous KMS, 2023-24 was undertaken, as a result of
which the Sub-Divisional Level Selection Committee
recommended to debar/eliminate poor performers and
facilitate participation of new SHGs by following
Guidelines for selection and functioning for paddy
procurement as communicated in FS&CW Department
Letter No.13820, dated 12.09.2019.
8.5. The Guidelines in FS&CW Department Letter No.13820,
dated 12.09.2019 inter alia specified that where any
Gram Panchayat is not represented by PACS/LAMPCS,
appointment to procure paddy in that Gram Panchayat
on behalf of the OSCSC may be made to WSHG/SHG
Federations. The selection procedure in the said
Guidelines has been spelt out in the following manner:
"2. Selection of WSHG/SHG Federation.--
(a) WSHG/SHG Federations nominated for participation
in paddy procurement should be of impeccable past
record both in terms of activity and financial
management.
(b) SHGs fulfilling the following parameters may be
considered for selection as agents of OSCSC Ltd. for
paddy procurement:
i. WSHG/ SHG federation must have completed 2
years of existence.
ii. WSHG/ SHG federation should belong to the
same GP where: paddy procurement operations
are being proposed. Preference may be given to
WSHG/ SHG federation from GP headquarter.
village or nearby villages within 1 to 2 KMs
radius, as they have to attend the market
yards on dally basis & purchase/ delivery of
paddy may go for late hours.
iii. The WSHG/ SHG federation must have an
active bank account with regular monthly
saving by WSG/ SHG federation members.
iv. The WSHG/ SHG federation must have availed
bank credit and should be regular with the
repayment schedule. Due care shall be taken to
access their financial position to procure
paddy.
v. The WSHG/ SHG federation should have
regular and systematic book keeping relating to
Meeting register and updated Pass Book.
(c) The WSHG/ SHG federation shall procure paddy at
PPC or RMC market yards. The RMC yard must have
necessary electricity connection. The WSHG/ SHG
federation shall have IT Infrastructure (one laptop/
desktop, a printer and an inverter), Internet
connectivity and shall deploy a Data Entry Operator
from among the WSHG member/members of SHG
federation. It shall avail a Digital Signature
Certificate out of its own expense for transacting
business. In the digital mode under P-PAS (Paddy
Procurement Automation System).
(d) Advertisement of Expression of Interest for paddy
procurement through WSHG/ SHG federation shall
be notified at the Office of the DSWO & at concerned
Office of the CDPOs & shall be displayed at
concerned AWCs for at least 15 days. The format for
Expression of Interest by WSHG/ SHG federations is
enclosed herewith as Annexure-I. This shall also be
shared with the Block Level Federation.
(e) The Sub-Division Level Committee comprising Sub-
Collector, DSWO, ARCS, ACSO, concerned CDPOs,
concerned BDOS/Tahsildars, Inspector of Supplies
of the concerned blocks and Mission Shakti officials
will examine the received Expression of Interest of
WSHG/ SHG federations (format enclosed as
Annexure-II) and recommend the suitable WSHG/
SHG federations.
(f) The District Level Committee comprising PD, DRDA,
Sub-Collector, DSWO, CSO, DRCS, LDM and District
Mission Shakti Officials, will examine the
recommendation of the Sub-Divisional committee and
recommend for appointment.
(g) Collector may appoint WSHG/SHG Federation
recommended by the District Level Committee under
paddy procurement for a specified area. The District
Collector shall have discretion to review the
recommendation and may take appropriate decision
in selecting suitable WSHGs/ SHG Federations."
8.6. Accordingly, evaluation of performance of all the
WSHGs/SHG Federation and Pani Panchayat involved in
paddy procurement operation in respective District of
the State of Odisha was undertaken. Accordingly, in
Subarnapur District also evaluation of performance of
WSHGs/SHG Federation was undertaken and the
Agency whose performance was evaluated as "poor", it
was decided not to select and entrust it with the work.
8.7. Since before debarring them from participating in the
procurement of paddy programme, no opportunity was
given to the Agencies, who were selected and executed
procurement work in the past, the petitioners have
approached this Court by way of filing writ petitions. In
the case of one of the WSHGs, namely, Maa Maheswari
WSHG, Subarnapur, which approached this Court by
way of writ petition, being W.P.(C) No.29524 of 2024,
following Order was passed on 24.12.2024:
"2. Heard Mr. S.S. Das, learned Senior Counsel for the
petitioner so also Mr. P. Acharya, learned Advocate
General for the State being assisted by Mr. Lenka,
learned AGA and other Counsels in the similar
matters on board.
3. Learned Senior Counsel for the petitioner files
Additional Affidavit after handing over a copy of the
same to the learned Counsel for the State in the
Court. The same be kept on record.
4. Since there are batch of Writ Petitions and the State
is yet to file the Counter Affidavit in most of the Writ
Petitions, today being the last working day before
the ensuing Winter Holidays, the hearing of the
present Writ Petition so also connected Writ Petitions
on board, cannot be concluded in course of the day.
However, since the paddy procurement process
cannot be stalled for an indefinite period, which may
hamper the interest of farmers so also other
beneficiaries and the said process is to be done in
the time bound manner, this Court is of the view that
the interim order passed earlier in the present case
so also in the similar connected matters on board,
need modification/clarification. As allegations
have been made by the petitioners-WSHG that
such action of eliminating them from the
process of paddy procurement is politically
motivated with an intention of accommodating
the new WSHGs and there is also a counter
allegation made by the State regarding poor
performance of the petitioner-WSHGs, as an
interim measure, it is clarified/directed that
the State Authority shall procure paddy from
the farmers for Kharif 2024-25 through PACS
only so far as the concerned Paddy
Procurement Centres (PPC), which are the
subject matter of the pending Writ Petitions.
5. Accordingly, the interim order passed in the present
Writ Petition so also connected matters on board are
modified to the effect, as detailed above.
6. Since most of the connected cases, the State is yet to
file Counter, the same be filed before the next date of
listing.
7. Learned State Counsel is directed to communicate
the digitally signed copy of this order available in
the website of this Court to the concerned authority
urgently for its implementation.
8. The matter be listed in the week commencing from
27th January, 2025 along with the connected
matters, on board.
9. Urgent certified copy of this order be granted on
proper application as per rules."
8.8. In compliance of the aforesaid Order dated 24.12.2024,
the procurement of paddy was entrusted to PACS with
respect to Subarnapur District.
8.9. Later, said batch of matters, i.e., W.P.(C) No.29405 of
2024, &c. including that of the present petitioners in
this writ petition, i.e., OM Shiva Shakti WSHG,
Subarnapur [in W.P.(C) No.29582 of 2024], Uma
Maheswari WSHG, Subarnapur [in W.P.(C) No.29720 of
2024] and Baba Sidheswar WSHG, Subarnapur [in
W.P.(C) No.29724 of 2024] were disposed of vide Order
dated 10.03.2025, wherein this Court observed as
follows:
"5. Perused the record and considered the material
enclosed to different writ petitions. Since the
Opposite Parties by way of affidavit, as relied on by
the learned Additional Government Advocate,
asserted that the steps taken to debar the
SHG/WSHG is related to operation of paddy
procurement for KMS No.2024-25 only, this Court is
of the considered view that the Opposite Parties
shall act pragmatically without being influenced by
the decisions taken to debar the SHG/WSHG for
KMS 2024-25. In the interest of justice it may
deserve to be noted that in view of affidavit, for the
future procurement, such debarment may not be
hurdle for consideration of such SHG/WSHG to take
part as it could not be placed on record by the
opposite parties that the adverse material, if any,
against the petitioner was confronted to it.
6. Needless to observe that the evaluation for
performance for KMS 2024-25 shall not cause any
prejudice to none of the parties in the present batch
of the writ petitions.
7. In the event, in future Paddy Procurement, if any
deficiency is found while evaluation of performance
of the SHG/WSHG, the same is required to be put to
the notice calling for explanation. Only after
affording reasonable opportunity to the affected
party concerned, the Opposite Parties may act upon
such material."
8.10. It is alleged that said Order has been passed on
conceded position by the opposite parties that the
evaluation for performance with respect to KMS 2024-25
shall cause prejudice to none of the parties in the said
batch of the writ petitions, and the elimination of the
petitioners from participation in the procurement for
KMS, 2024-25 does directly lead to disobeying orders of
this Court.
8.11. Per contra the learned Additional Government Advocate,
clarified that there is no violation of said order inasmuch
as this Court on the basis of assurance given by the
opposite parties disposed of batch of matter by observing
that "in future Paddy Procurement, if any deficiency is
found while evaluation of performance of the SHG/WSHG,
the same is required to be put to the notice calling for
explanation". Expanding the argument the learned
Additional Government Advocate strenuously submitted
that the present context is well within KMS, 2024-25,
but not "future paddy procurement".
8.12. As per Annexure-C/4 enclosed to counter affidavit, i.e.,
the Operational Guidelines of KMS, 2024-25 at
Paragraph 4, it has been indicated as follows:
"4. Paddy Procurement Period.--
4.1. The current KMS, 2024-25 spans from 1st October
2024 to 30th September 2025.
4.2. The paddy procurement for the current KMS will be
done as per the following timelines.
Season of KMS 2024-25 Procurement Period
From To
Kharif 01.11.2024 31.03.2025
Rabi 01.05.2025 30.06.2025
8.13. The time line stipulated for procurement of paddy for
KMS, 2024-25 with respect to Rabi Crop is 01.05.2025
to 30.06.2025. Scrutiny of the Operational Guidelines
makes it abundantly clear that Kharif Marketing Season,
2024-25 ("KMS, 2024-25") includes the Kharif Crops as
well as the Rabi Crops.
8.14. In terms of Order dated 10.03.2025 in batch of matters
it is in the future paddy procurement, without affording
opportunity to the petitioners by pointing out the
deficiencies while evaluating performance of
WSHGs/SHG, elimination may not be permissible. The
opposite parties may act upon such material, if any,
after due confrontation. However, such a stipulation is
not applicable for the purpose of procurement of paddy
in respect of KMS, 2024-25 which includes the "Rabi
Crop".
8.15. At this juncture, this Court takes note of following
assertion of the opposite parties in the counter affidavit
filed in the instant case:
"***
10. That pursuant to the said observation, the
District Administration is taking steps to
provide reasonable opportunity to the
WSHGs/SHG Federation who have been
debarred for their poor performance for KMS
2024-25 and thereafter steps would be taken to
consider their cases for further KMS
procurement.
***
12. That in view of the aforesaid facts and
circumstances, this deponent humbly submits that
the authority has not violated the Order dated
10.03.2025 passed by this Hon'ble Court in batch of
cases in any manner what-so-ever and the
WSHGs/SHG Federation including PACS who
were involved in paddy procurement during
Khariff 2024-25 have been allowed to
participate in paddy procurement for Rabi
Season. No new WSHGs/SHG Federation has
been allowed to participate in KMS 2024-25 for
Rabi Season."
9. As is apparent from the aforesaid position that no new
WSHGs/SHG Federation has been allowed to participate
in KMS, 2024-25 for paddy procurement of Rabi Crop,
which is part of KMS 2024-25, this Court finds no scope
to interfere with the process adopted by the Department
concerned. Therefore, at this stage when the programme
for procurement of paddy for KMS, 2024-25 (Rabi Crops)
is currently in progress which is likely to end in June,
2025, it is preposterous to assume on the part of the
petitioners that their WSHG would be debarred or
eliminated by way of evaluation in case occasion arises
in respect of paddy procurement in future Kharif
Marketing Season.
Conclusion:
10. In the wake of the aforesaid discussion, this Court is not
inclined to accede to the prayer(s) of the petitioners and,
accordingly, the writ petition stands dismissed being
devoid of merit, but in the circumstances, there shall be
no order as to costs.
11. As a result of disposal of the writ petition, all pending
interlocutory applications, if any, shall stand disposed
of.
(MURAHARI SRI RAMAN)
JUDGE
Signature Not
Verified
Digitally Signed
Signed by: ASWINI KUMAR
SETHY
Designation: Personal
Assistant (Secretary-in-Charge)
Reason: Authentication
Location: ORISSA HIGH
COURT, CUTTACK
Date: 21-Apr-2025 14:50:36
High Court of Orissa, Cuttack
The 21st April, 2025//Aswini/Laxmikant
