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Orissa High Court

Registrar (Judicial) vs State Of Odisha & Others .... Opp. ... on 21 August, 2025

Bench: S.K. Sahoo, V. Narasingh

                                   IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK

                                     SUO MOTU W.P.(C) PIL No.2140 of 2020


                                    Registrar (Judicial),
                                    Orissa High Court, Cuttack ....          Petitioner

                                                   Er. N.K. Mohanty
                                                   Amicus Curiae

                                                   Mr. Bijay Kumar Dash
                                                   Amicus Curiae

                                                      -versus-

                                    State of Odisha & others     ....      Opp. Parties

                                                   Mr. Manoj Kumar Mishra
                                                   Senior Advocate
                                                   President, OHCBA

                                                   Mr. Avijit Pattnaik
                                                   Advocate
                                                   Secretary, OHCBA
                                                   Mr. Debasis Nayak-A
                                                   Addl. Govt. Advocate &
                                                   Advocate for C.M.C.

                                                   Mr. Partha Sarathi Nayak
Signature Not Verified                             Addl. Govt. Advocate
Digitally Signed
Signed by: SIPUN BEHERA
Designation: Senior Stenographer
Reason: Authentication
Location: HIGH COURT OF
ORISSA, CUTTACK
Date: 21-Aug-2025 21:12:22
                                                      CORAM:
                                                JUSTICE S.K. SAHOO
                                              JUSTICE V. NARASINGH



                                                                              Page 1 of 28
                                      ORDER

21.08.2025 This matter is taken up through Hybrid arrangement (video conferencing/physical mode). S.C.B. MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL PROBLEMS CARDIOTHORACIC VASCULAR SURGERY (CTVS) AND ECMO UNIT OF CARDIOLOGY DEPARTMENT Order No. When the issue relating to the

301. Cardiothoracic vascular Surgery and ECMO Unit of 21.08.2025 Cardiology Department was taken up on 31.07.2025, the learned Amicus Curiae along with the President and Secretary of the Orissa High Court Bar Association submitted a memo with annexures highlighting the deficiencies and also suggested certain remedial measures.

A copy of the memo with all the annexures were served on Mr. Debasis Nayak-A, learned counsel appearing for the State, who was asked to obtain instruction relating to the same and the Superintendent, SCBMCH, Cuttack was also asked to file an affidavit addressing the issues raised and respond to the suggestions given by the learned Amicus Curiae along with the President and Secretary of the Orissa High Court Bar Association.

Page 2 of 28

Prof. (Dr.) Goutam Kumar Satpathy, Medical Superintendent I/c, SCBMCH, Cuttack is present through virtual mode and filed an affidavit dated 20.08.2025.

The issues which were raised during the earlier hearing held on 31.07.2025 are as follows:

(i) For open heart surgery, first time instruments and equipments were procured in the year 1985 and thereafter in the year 2015 and after 2015, there was no supply of major and vital instruments and equipments despite repeated communications and request made by the Head of the Department and there is acute shortage of manpower both in Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgery (CTVS) and ECMO Unit of Cardiology Department;
(ii) Most vital equipments and instruments in the CTVS and ECMO Unit of Cardiology Department are lacking, such as heart lung machine, heater cooler machine, intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), dual- chamber pacemaker etc.;
(iii) List of equipments and instruments required has been placed since the financial year 2017-

2018, but till date no instruments have been supplied to the Department;

(iv) There is availability of one heart lung machine, one heater cooler machine and one dual-

Page 3 of 28

chamber pacemaker and in the event one of the machines becomes non-functional during operation, the patient will die, as there is no backup;

(v) The Open Heart Surgery is being done only at SCBMCH, Cuttack as State Institute.

In reply to such issues, Prof. (Dr.) Satpathy has stated in his affidavit that following the report of the Advocates‟ Committee, Professor and HoD, CTVS, SCBMCH, Cuttack was requested vide letter dated 16.08.2025 to give details of equipment and instruments essential for smooth operation and CTVS Department. Pursuant to such letter, Professor and HoD, CTVS, SCBMCH, Cuttack vide his letter dated 18.08.2025 has provided the details of instruments and equipments required for smooth operation of CTVS Department. The copies of the letters dated 16.08.2025 & 18.08.2025 have been annexed to the affidavit as Annexure-A & B respectively. In Annexure- B, Professor and HoD, CTVS, SCBMCH, Cuttack has mentioned that the issues and suggestions by the learned Amicus Curiae along with the President & Secretary of Orissa High Court Bar Association are correct and genuine in the interest of the patients. He has also mentioned the present manpower, instrument and equipment status in Annexure-B. On perusal of Annexure-B, so far as manpower is concerned, in CTVS Page 4 of 28 Surgeon Heading, it is stated that one post each of Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor and Senior Resident are lying vacant. It is further stated that Dr. Soumya Ranjan Das, Assistant Professor, CTVS is absent since 11.08.2023 without authorization.

In response to the query of this Court as to what steps have been taken by the Govt. against Dr. Soumya Ranjan Das, Assistant Professor, CTVS for his unauthorized absence from duty for more than two years, whether any disciplinary proceeding has been initiated against him and whether salary is being paid to him in spite of his absence from duty Prof. (Dr.) Satpathy, Medical Superintendent I/c., SCBMCH, Cuttack as well as to Mr. Santosh Kumar Mishra, DMET, Odisha, who were appearing virtually, the DMET‟s response was that he is not aware about such absence of Asst. Professor from duty and he seeks time to apprise this Court on the next date on this issue. Prof. (Dr.). Satpathy, Medical Superintendent I/c., SCBMCH, Cuttack is also not able to furnish the details of salary status of the said Assistant Professor. However, he submitted that repeated correspondences have been made with the said Assistant Professor over this issue but he is not responding.

Mr. Debasis Nayak, learned Addl. Govt. Advocate seeks for a short adjournment to apprise this Page 5 of 28 Court regarding the issue.

List this matter on 04.09.2025.

On the next date, the salary statement of the concerned Asst. Professor and the steps taken, if any, for initiating departmental proceeding shall also be placed on record.

It is really shocking that an Asst. Professor of such a sensitive department of SCBMCH has not resumed his duties for more than two years and he is not even responding to several corresponds. It is indeed baffling that the authorities are still in a state of deep slumber in the matter of taking action against him for such unauthorized absence.

In Annexure-B which is annexed to the affidavit of Prof. (Dr.) Satpathy, it is stated that so far as manpower under the heading of ECMO Staffs is concerned, two posts of CTVS surgeon (Asst. Professor), one post of Anaesthesiologist (Asst. Professor), five posts of Perfusionist and three posts of ECG technicians are lying vacant.

It is further stated in the affidavit filed by Prof. (Dr.) Satpathy that several communications have been made to the DMET, Odisha through a series of letters right from March, 2023 onwards requesting for procurement of necessary instruments and equipments and all the copies of such letters have been annexed as Page 6 of 28 Annexure-C series. The letters issued by the Medical Superintendent, SCBMCH, Cuttack under Annexure-C series are not only addressed to DMET, Odisha, Bhubaneswar but also a copy of the same has been endorsed to Professor and HoD of the respective departments and the G.M. Operation (Equipment), OSMCL, Bhubaneswar and in the said letter, against the names of the individual departments, the requirements of the equipments have been stated.

It is further stated in the affidavit that vide the letter at Annexure-B, a list of 46 items relating to equipments and instruments required by the CTVS Department have been sought for and out of the said list of 46 items, 20 items have been received by SCBMCH, Cuttack and 26 items are yet to be delivered.

It is further stated in the affidavit that to address the issue of manpower in the CTVS Department specifically, the DMET, Odisha has been moved vide letter dated 18.08.2025 to take immediate necessary steps to fill up the posts of faculties lying vacant in the CTVS Department of the Hospital for its smooth management and the letter dated 18.08.2025 has been annexed as Annexure-D. The affidavit filed by the Medical Superintendent I/c, SCBMCH, Cuttack is taken on record.

Page 7 of 28

In this context, the learned Addl. Govt. Advocate has produced the letter dated 19.08.2025 of the Director Medical Education and Training, Odisha, wherein it is stated that requisition of equipment and instruments for the Department of CTVS, SCBMCH, Cuttack has already been placed to OSMCL, Bhubaneswar for 46 nos. of equipments.

This Court is at a loss to understand as to why DMET, Odisha has not responded to series of letters of Medical Superintendent, SCBMCH, Cuttack right from March, 2023 regarding procurement of equipments/instruments of different departments for smooth management of SCBMCH, Cuttack.

DMET, Odisha appearing virtually is not able to say with certainty as to when the instruments/equipments as mentioned in the requisitions of different departments shall be delivered to the concerned Departments of SCBMCH, Cuttack. The delay in supplying the instruments/ equipments as per the requisitions of different departments need to be explained by the DMET as well as OSMCL.

Since the learned counsel appearing and the Officers are not in a position to apprise this Court regarding the status of the present state of supply of the equipments, the learned counsel for the State as well as the Superintendent, SCBMCH, Cuttack are Page 8 of 28 called upon to file an affidavit indicating the position regarding supply of equipments from 15.03.2023 till June 2025.

The affidavit of the Superintendent, SCBMCH, Cuttack shall indicate the requirement of the equipments communicated to the DMET after collating such requirement from each individual departments.

Learned Senior counsel Mr. B.P. Tripathy is present on behalf of OSMCL. Let an affidavit of one of the responsible officer stating details of the letters received from the Superintendent, SCBMCH, Cuttack/DMET by which requisitions for necessary equipments and instruments were made, the action taken by OSMCL in response to such requisitions, detailing therein the equipments and instruments already supplied and the ones still pending be filed by the next date. Such details should be provided in a tabular form for ease of reference. The aforesaid details should be provided for the period from March, 2023 to June, 2025.

The affidavits in this regard by Government, the Superintendent, SCBMCH, Cuttack and the OSMCL shall be filed by 02.09.2025 and the matter shall be taken up for consideration on 04.09.2025.

During deliberations today, this Court noted with dismay patent lack of communication and Page 9 of 28 coherence between different wings of Health Department which has evidently resulted in non-supply of essential equipments endangering life of the patients. Such lackadaisical attitudes need to be addressed on an emergent basis and hopefully necessary corrective steps in this regard shall be taken keeping in view the welfare of the patients.

This Court places on record its appreciation for the untiring efforts of the Advocates‟ committee relating to the state of non-supply of essential equipments and lack of essential manpower.

CTVS DEPARTMENT Keeping in view the affidavit filed by Prof. (Dr.) Satpathy, Medical Superintendent I/c., SCBMCH, Cuttack about the lack of equipment and manpower in the CTVS Department, this Court directs the Superintendent, SCBMCH, Cuttack to file an affidavit with relevant supporting documents providing the following details with regard to the patients in the CTVS Department of SCBMCH, Cuttack:

(i) Total number of patients admitted to CTVS Department for open heart surgery year wise from the year 2023;
(ii) The present status of the aforementioned patients after completion of surgery;
            (iii)     Number      of    teams      in     the        CTVS



                                                             Page 10 of 28
              Department        independently   undertaking/conducting
             open heart surgery.
                                                  (S.K. Sahoo)
                                                    Judge




                                               (V. Narasingh)
                                                    Judge
                     LIVER TRANSPLANTATION ISSUE
302. As per order no.298-B dated 14.08.2025, 21.08.2025 the Commissioner-cum-Secretary to Govt., Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Odisha apprised this Court by filing an affidavit dated 13.08.2025 that AIG has responded to the letter dated 05.08.2025 issued by DMET, Odisha and a meeting was scheduled to be held with the AIG. She also sought for time to apprise this Court regarding the development of the scheduled meeting.

Mr. Debasis Nayak, learned Addl. Govt. Advocate has produced the written instruction dated 21.08.2025 received from the Commissioner-cum- Secretary to Govt., Health & Family Welfare Department addressed to the learned Advocate General, Odisha, wherein it is stated that the meeting was held on 19.08.2025 in the office Chamber of Commissioner-cum-Secretary in which Page 11 of 28 AIG agreed to provide technical assistance for the interim period as per existing terms of agreement. It is further stated that the technical committee under the supervision of Dr. Umakant Satapathy, Addl. DMET -cum- Nodal-Officer, SOTTO is authorized to assess the preparedness at SCBMCH including screening of patients and availability of trained manpower. It is further decided to identify and send additional doctors for training. The comparative statement on conditions of agreement is being prepared for further examination for signing of MoU. It is further stated that further action on the same shall be taken after obtaining Govt. approval.

The written instruction dated 21.08.2025 is taken on record.

List this matter on 04.09.2025.

On the said date the learned Addl. Govt. Advocate shall apprise this Court about the development made in that respect.

(S.K. Sahoo) Judge (V. Narasingh) Judge Page 12 of 28 FACILITIES AND STAFFING AT SCBMCH, CUTTACK

303. On 14.08.2025, when the issue relating to 21.08.2025 number of posts of doctors lying vacant in different departments was taken up, this Bench considered the affidavit dated 12.08.2025 filed by Prof. (Dr.) Goutam Kumar Satpathy, Medical Superintendent I/c., SCBMCH, Cuttack, wherein it is stated that 15 posts of Professor, 33 posts of Associate Professor, 16 posts of Assistant Professor and 23 posts of Senior Resident/Tutor were lying vacant.

The Health Secretary, Govt. of Odisha was present on that date through virtual mode and stated that so far as the vacancies of doctors at the entry level of Assistant Professor are concerned, OPSC has selected candidates discipline wise and the same shall be placed the same on record.

Mr. Debasis Nayak, learned Addl. Govt. Advocate has produced the letter no.HFW-MEI-CASE- 0062-2024/24419 dated 19.08.2025 of Dr. Usharani Sahoo, Special Secretary to Govt., Health and Family Welfare Department addressed to learned Advocate General, Odisha, wherein it is stated that OPSC had recommended 89 Assistant Professors in 22 Broad Speciality disciplines against Advt. No.29 of 2023-24 Page 13 of 28 pursuant to requisition for 102 posts in 23 Broad Speciality disciplines. Likewise, OPSC has recommended 07 Assistant Professors in 06 Super Speciality disciplines against Advt. No.15 of 2022-23 pursuant to requisition for 09 posts in 08 Super Speciality disciplines. It is further stated that out of the 89 Assistant Professors (Broad Speciality), 12 have already been appointed in 07 disciplines vide Notification No.16697 dated 06.06.2025, while the appointment and posting of the remaining candidates shall be given after due process of counselling with approval of Government.

The aforesaid letter dated 19.08.2025 is taken on record.

This Court expects that the appointment and posting of the remaining candidates recommended by OPSC shall be expedited by the Govt., so that the problems faced in the Hospital due to vacancies in the posts as reflected in the affidavit of Prof. (Dr.) Satpathy, Medical Superintendent I/c, SCBMCH, Cuttack can be sorted out.

List this matter on 04.09.2025.

Learned counsel for the State shall apprise this Court about the development made in the meantime regarding the appointment and posting of Page 14 of 28 the remaining candidates recommended by OPSC.

(S.K. Sahoo) Judge (V. Narasingh) Judge STEPS TO BE TAKEN BY AUTHORITIES FOR UPCOMING FESTIVE SEASON Festivals are times of celebration, vibrant occasions for communities to come together, strengthening bonds and proudly share their legacy and heritage. These are integral part of our cultural fabric and each one should enjoy it without compromising the wellbeing of others.

However, it should not be forgotten that festivals also exacerbate existing civic issues and present unique challenges for urban management.

The festive season in Cuttack will begin on August 27 with Ganesh Puja, followed by Khudurukuni, Vishwakarma Puja, Dussehra, Kali Puja and finally culminating in Kartikeswar Puja and in between there is "Bali Yatra".

Page 15 of 28

(i) PREVENTING CONSTRUCTION OF HUGE MANDAP PANDALS ON PUBLIC ROAD, FOOTPATH AND ERECTION OF ELECTRIC GATES AND DECORATIONS 304-A. Last year, while dealing with this issue, 21.08.2025 this Court expressed concern over erection of bamboo structures in some Puja Mandaps within the perimeters of public roads to celebrate Durga Puja obstructing normal flow of traffic. The authorities were directed to ensure that there should be no blockage of road due to construction of pandals in all over the City.

The Collector, Cuttack then had assured this Court that illegal construction activities on the public road were to be checked and if necessary, the licenses of Committees shall be revoked.

Increased height in Puja gates is also an issue which causes many concerns, inter alia, regarding the structural stability and safety, since these are temporary structures built for festivals. It has inherent vulnerability to wind, resulting in enhanced risk or injury if there is collapse and also presenting challenges for crowd control and emergency egress.

Page 16 of 28

Organizers should prioritize safety and stability by carefully considering the potential risks associated with increased height, adhering to safety regulations and ensuring robust construction practices.

Last year, a Durga Puja electronic welcome gate installed by Khannagar Puja Committee collapsed in Badambadi, Cuttack near Netaji Bus Terminal. Several vehicles were trapped under the collapsed structure.

The concerned Authority/Authorities shall file an affidavit on this issue as to whether the Puja Committees are taking prior permission relating to the nature of pandals (both bamboo and electrical), and the height of gates and its numbers to be constructed within their respective areas while applying for licenses and what safety measures are taken by the Puja Committee for maintenance of such pandals and whether „no objection‟ certificates are issued by taking into account all the safety measures.

                          (ii)     CONTROL             OF   AIR     &      NOISE
                          POLLUTION
  304-B.                  Excessive and harmful levels of sound
21.08.2025

produced by DJ equipment and music systems, fire Page 17 of 28 crackers often surpass noise pollution regulations. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise can cause various health problems like hearing loss, sleep disturbances, cardiovascular issues and heightened stress levels particularly in children, the elderly and animals. It also affects academic performances of the students.

In the last Durga Puja, this Court passed orders that noise levels should be within 65 Decibels.

It is imperative to address the issue of sound pollution during festivals by advocating for responsible celebration, using protective measures and spreading awareness about the consequences of excessive noise so as to strike a balance between celebrations and health of citizens and environmental concerns. The spirit of festival ought not be drowned in the cacophony of sound.

The concerned Authority/Authorities shall file an affidavit on this issue.

(iii) TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT, CROWD CONTROL AND SAFETY 304-C. Effective traffic and crowd management 21.08.2025 are crucial for a smooth and safe festive season. This involves strategies augmenting traffic control points and real time information dissemination to manage Page 18 of 28 the influx of people and vehicles. Crowd control techniques, including barriers, clear signage and deployment of security personnel, are also vital for preventing overcrowding and ensuring public safety.

The concerned Authority/Authorities shall file an affidavit on this issue.

(iv) IMPROVING ROAD CONDITIONS 304-D. The print and electronic media are 21.08.2025 regularly highlighting the poor condition of the roads in Cuttack City. This Bench on a number of occasions also expressed displeasure over the rough, bumpy pothole-filled state of roads of this millennium city, including recently repaired stretches that have quickly deteriorated with alarming alacrity, suggesting shoddy work and lack of supervision. It was emphasized regarding taking stern action against contractors for sub-standard work and the need for contractual clauses that enable recovery of repair costs from contractors who failed to maintain standards. But, unfortunately the concern of this Court has obviously gone unheeded. The roads continue to be as bad as before if not worse. This Court is dismayed to note that there does not seem to be any accountability.

Page 19 of 28

Festive seasons often bring increased traffic and a higher risk of road accident due to combination of factors including poor rood infrastructure, potholes and damaged roads etc. The present state of the arterial roads as well as main road exacerbate the challenges, making commuting difficult and dangerous.

Before the onset of festive season, identification and repairing of the roads prone to damage and potholes particularly in those areas which are likely to cater to heavy traffic during festivals is imperative.

The concerned Authority/Authorities shall file an affidavit on this issue.

                         (v)        ILLUMINATION               OF        STREET
                         LIGHTS/            STREET         LIGHTS             NOT
                         FUNCTIONING IN DIFFERENT AREAS
                         UNDER CMC
  304-E.                 During the festive season, the street lights
21.08.2025
             are   often   illuminated       with    decorative         lights    to

enhance the celebratory atmosphere and to create a vibrant and joyful ambience for residents and visitors. It is extensively in the media both print and electronic regarding non-functional street lights in some parts of Cuttack City which not only Page 20 of 28 contributes to the rise in criminal activities but also poses safety risks to the citizens. This issue needs to be addressed forthwith.

As per order no.269 dated 18.07.2025, we asked the President and Secretary of Orissa High Court Bar Association to collect data from the advocates of the respective wards who are in the Advocates‟ Committee regarding functioning of the street lights in their areas and furnish a report to that effect.

Today, learned President of the High Court Bar Association has filed a memo dated 21.08.2025 regarding functioning of the street lights of some Wards which is taken on record.

The concerned Authority/Authorities shall file an affidavit on this issue.

(vi) FIRE SAFETY IN PUJA MANDAPS 304-F. Fire safety in Puja Mandaps (temporary 21.08.2025 structures for religious festivals) is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure public safety. Key measures include using fire-retardant materials, proper electrical wiring, fire extinguishers and designated emergency exists.

The Fire Officer, Cuttack shall file an affidavit on this issue including the instructions to be Page 21 of 28 given, if any, to all the Puja Committees to adhere to the fire safety norms.

                         (vii)    SUPPLY    OF       SAFE   DRINKING
                         WATER 24 X 7
  304-G.                 Ensuring a safe and adequate supply of
21.08.2025

drinking water is crucial during festivals especially in the millennium City of Cuttack where celebrations draw large crowds. There is a need for uninterrupted and hygienic water supply during the festive season which is vital to prevent waterborne diseases and maintain public health.

The concerned Authority/Authorities shall file an affidavit on this issue.

                         (viii)        CHECKING                SELLING/
                         DISTRIBUTION           OF    CONTAMINATED
                         AND ADULTERATED FOOD
  304-H.                 To combat the sale of contaminated and
21.08.2025

adulterated food, especially during the festive season when demand of certain items rises, the authorities are required to undertake some specific initiatives. Food safety officers are to conduct regular and heightened monitoring and inspection drives, use mobile testing labs that conduct on the spot checks in food manufacturing hubs, detect common adulterants like synthetic colours, urea and starch.

Page 22 of 28

Awareness of the public to avoid contaminated food is very much necessary. Public should be made aware about lodging complaints through website, social media and mobile App or by contacting designated food safety officers.

The concerned Authority/Authorities shall file an affidavit on this issue.

(ix) WASTE MANAGEMENT 304-I. Effective waste management in the festive 21.08.2025 season is essential for reducing, reusing and recycling to minimize landfill waste. Providing substantial numbers of recycling bins and waste containers in the City and in the festival grounds and proper instruction to the attendees to dispose of their waste properly so also providing information through various channels, including on-site signage, digital platforms and leaflets can help a lot in this regard. There should be dedicated team of cleanup crews who are to work tirelessly throughout the festive season to maintain cleanliness and these crews shall be responsible for waste collection, emptying bins and keeping the site clean and litter- free. Volunteers also play a vital role in promoting cleanliness and sustainability by assisting in waste sorting, recycling and litter cleanup.

Page 23 of 28

The concerned Authority/Authorities shall file an affidavit on this issue.

                        (x)       REGULATING               TIMING         OF
                        CULTURAL PROGRAMMES/MELODY
  304-J.                Organizing     cultural     programmes        during
21.08.2025

festive seasons presents unique challenges related to scheduling and timing. Balancing the needs of performers, audience, local authorities and the community is crucial for a successful and harmonious event. It is important to remember that late night cultural programmes and melody and playing loud music can create problem in the peaceful environment of residential areas and it will also generate sleepless nights for the residents.

The concerned Authority/Authorities shall file an affidavit on this issue.

(xi) CHECKING FORCED DONATIONS/ EXTORTIONS 304-K. Forced collection of money during festivals, 21.08.2025 anti-social elements creating undue hardship for the public, shopkeepers and goods transporters are matters of concerned. Unruly elements claiming to be volunteers of different organizations intercept vehicles on the highways and forcibly demand money.

Page 24 of 28

There should be zero tolerance for extortion or forced donations. Strict actions are required to be taken against the violators.

The concerned Authority/Authorities shall file an affidavit on this issue.

                        (xii)    PREVENTION         OF        CRIMINAL
                        ACTIVITIES AND SAFETY OF PEOPLE
  304-L.                The festive season is a time of celebration
21.08.2025

and joy. Unfortunately it also presents increased opportunities for criminal activities. Policing during the festive season involve a multifaceted approach, focusing on increased visibility, strategic deployment, community engagement and intelligence based operations.

There has to be increased police presence and patrols, targeting specific crime types, training police personnel on festive season crime patterns and prevention techniques, equipping constables with necessary tools etc. The concerned Authority/Authorities shall file an affidavit on this issue as to how they have planned to create a safer environment for citizens to enjoy the festive season, while effectively deterring and combating criminal activities.

Page 25 of 28
                          (xiii)          DISCIPLINED          IMMERSION
                         PROCESSION
 304-M.                  Disciplined immersion procession refers to

21.08.2025 well-organized and managed procession, adhering to established guidelines and practices to ensure smooth, safe and environmentally responsible execution. There is not only requirement of designated immersion spots, strict traffic regulations, CCTV surveillance, promotion of eco-friendly practices but also engaging local organizations and community representatives to educate and guide the public on disciplined immersion practices.

The concerned Authority/Authorities shall file an affidavit on this issue.

The aforementioned civic issues shall be taken up for consideration on 26.08.2025. And, all the concerned officials, who are present in today‟s deliberation virtually be intimated to remain present on the said date in person/virtually. They shall file the affidavit (both soft copy and hard copy) by 25.08.2025.

Registry is called upon to take necessary follow up steps.

(S.K. Sahoo) Judge (V. Narasingh) Judge Page 26 of 28 SATYABRATA STADIUM

(i) DPR OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

305. 21.08.2025 Regarding the issues pertaining to Satyabrata Stadium, Collector, Mr. Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, IAS informed this Court that second DPR for overall development of sports centric facilities was submitted to the Sports Department, Government of Odisha and in response thereto certain objections have been raised. He assured this Court that the matter is being taken up in right earnest with the Sports Department and the developments in this regard shall be placed for consideration of this Court.

List this matter on 25.09.2025.

(ii) ISSUE REGARDING CLEANLINESS AND LIGHTING So far as lack of lighting in the vicinity of Satyabrata Stadium is concerned, the Commissioner, CMC, Ms. Kirandeep Kaur Sahota, IAS stated that a team will be deputed to address the issue at the earliest.

Learned DSGI, Mr. Parhi has assured this Court that necessary manpower shall be provided to clean the walking tracks so that they can be used without fear of any injury.

Page 27 of 28

The representative of the CMC and learned DSGI along with member(s) of the Advocates‟ Committee stated that they will make a spot visit at the earliest to assess the situation and suggest remedial measures to be taken by the ASI and other agencies to redress the grievances ventilated during the course of hearing.

Report on the basis of such visit be placed on record by the next date.

List this matter on 26.08.2025.

(S.K. Sahoo) Judge (V. Narasingh) Judge Page 28 of 28