IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK W.P.(C) No.23919 of 2021 Prakash Chandra Jena and Others …. Petitioners Mr. B.S. Tripathy, Sr. Advocate with Mr. A. Sahoo, Advocate -versus- State Pollution Control Board, Odisha and Anr. …. Opp. Parties Mr. S.K. Mishra, Advocate for O.P. No.1 Mr. P.K. Panda, ASC CORAM: JUSTICE BIRAJA PRASANNA SATAPATHY Order No ORDER 18.02.2026 03. 1. This matter is taken up through Hybrid Arrangement (Virtual/Physical) Mode. 2. Heard learned counsel for the parties. 3. Even though the present Writ Petition has been filed inter alia challenging the rejection of the petitioners’ claim to get the benefit of regularization vide the impugned order dated 23.07.2021 under Annexure-20, but in course of hearing, learned counsel appearing for the O.P. No.1-Board, fairly contended that Board vide letter dated 25.10.2025, though has requested the Govt.-Opp. Party No.2 to approve the appointment of the petitioners including 24 numbers of contractual DEOs and to regularize them in service with a further stand that the Board will bear all the expenses after such regularization, but no decision has been taken by the Govt.-Opp. Party No.2 as yet. p. 2 p. 2 4. Learned Addl. Standing Counsel on the other hand contended that if such a request has been made by the Board, appropriate decision will be taken on the same. 5. Having heard learned counsel for the parties and considering the submission made, this Court while disposing the Writ Petition, directs Opp. Party No.2 to take a decision on the request made by the State Pollution Control Board-Opp. Party No.1 in its letter dated 25.10.2025 so enclosed to I.A. No.21457 of 2025, within a period of 2 (two) months from the date of receipt of this order. 5.1. On such decision being taken and communicated, Opp. Party No.1-Board will take a fresh decision with regard to regularization of the services of the petitioners. Petitioners are permitted to provide a copy of this order along with the request made by the Board on 25.10.2025 before O.P. No.2 for compliance. 5.2. This Court however directs Opp. Party No.2 to take into consideration the stand taken by the Board that all the expenses will be borne after such regularization of the services of the petitioner in its proper perspective. Till a decision is taken as directed by Opp. Party No.2, interim order passed on 16.08.2021 shall continue. 6. The Writ Petition stands disposed of along with all pending I.As. (Biraja Prasanna Satapathy) Judge Basudev