p. 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK W.P.(C) No. 28758 OF 2024 Md Alli Hussain …. Petitioner Mr. Abinash Routray, Advocate -versus- State of Odisha and another …. Opp. Parties Mr. Siba Narayan Biswal, Additional Standing Counsel CORAM: JUSTICE K.R. MOHAPATRA JUSTICE SAVITRI RATHO ORDER Order No. 16.12.2025 1. 1. This matter is taken up through hybrid mode. 2. Petitioner in this writ petition prays for a direction to the Odisha Board of Wakfs-Opposite Party No.2 to expedite the process of enquiry under Section 70 of the Wakf Act (Annexure-2 series), which is pending before it and take a decision within a stipulated period. 3. In course of hearing Mr. Routray, learned counsel for the Petitioner brought to the notice of this Court that Odisha Board of Wakfs has been superseded. But subsequently, Smt. Jugaleswari Dash, Director, (OBC), ST and SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department is appointed as the Administrator of Odisha Board of Wakfs with effect from 17th November, 2025. 4. Section 99 (2)(b) of the Wakf Act, 1995 provides that all powers and duties which may, by or under the provisions of the Act be exercised or performed by or on behalf of the Board shall during the period of supersession be exercised and performed by Digitally Signed Signed by: SASANKA SEKHAR SATAPATHY Reason: Authentication Location: HIGH COURT OF ORISSA Date: 17-Dec-2025 16:49:12 Signature Not Verified p. 2 such person or persons as the State Government may direct. Thus, the Administrator so appointed vide Notification dated 17th November, 2025 has the power to take a decision on the grievance of the Petitioner in this writ petition. 5. Accordingly, the writ petition is disposed of with a direction that the Administrator, Odisha Board of Wakfs shall enquire into the matter and take a decision on the grievance of the Petitioner to conduct enquiry under Section 70 of the Wakf Act with regard to the allegations made under Annexure-2 series and take a decision on the same, in accordance with law, as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of six months from the date of production of certified copy of this order giving opportunity of hearing to all concerned. The Administrator shall act upon production of certified copy of this order along with the copy of Annexure-2 series before her and proceed with the matter in accordance with law. The parties are directed to cooperate with the Administrator for taking an early decision in the matter. (K.R. Mohapatra) Judge (Savitri Ratho) Judge s.s.satapathy