IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK W.P.(C) No.42745 of 2023 Sisir Kumar Satapathy …. Petitioner Mr. S.K. Rout, Advocate -versus- State of Odisha & Ors. …. Opposite Parties Mr. P.K. Panda, ASC CORAM: JUSTICE BIRAJA PRASANNA SATAPATHY Order No. ORDER 22.01.2026 04. 1. This matter is taken up through Hybrid Arrangement (Virtual/Physical) Mode. 2. Heard learned counsel appearing for the Parties. 3. The present Writ Petition has been filed inter alia challenging the rejection of the Petitioner’s claim for his engagement on daily wages basis vide order issued under Annexure-4 by Opposite Party No.3. 4. Learned counsel appearing for the Petitioner fairly contended that such claim of the Petitioner for his re- engagement was rejected vide the impugned order on the ground that because of the austerity measure adopted by the Government of Orissa due to COVID-19 and allotment of fund since has been stopped by the Government because of COVID-19, Petitioner cannot be re-engaged. 4.1. Learned counsel appearing for the Petitioner contended that the ground on which claim of the p. 2 p. 2 Petitioner was rejected is no more available, as no such austerity measure is in force at present. 4.2. It is accordingly contended that the matter be remitted to Opposite Party No.3 to take a fresh decision on the Petitioner’s claim. 5. Learned Addl. Standing Counsel for the State has no serious objection to the course of action proposed by the learned counsel appearing for the Petitioner. 6. Having heard learned counsel appearing for the Parties, considering the submissions made and taking into account the ground of rejection of the Petitioner’s claim under Annexure-4, this Court while quashing the same, permits the Petitioner to make a fresh application for re-consideration of his claim. 6.1. It is observed that if such an application will be filed within a period of two (2) weeks hence, Opp. Party No.3 shall do well to take a lawful decision on the same within a period of six (6) weeks from the date of receipt of such application. The order so passed by Opp. Party No.3 be communicated to the Petitioner. 7. With the aforesaid observation and direction, the Writ Petition is disposed of. (Biraja Prasanna Satapathy) Subrat Judge