IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK W.P.(C) No.20109 of 2026 Ajit Kumar Padhan …. Petitioner Mr. Alok Kumar Panda, Advocate -versus- State of Odisha and Others …. Opp. Parties Ms. Biswabara Dash, ASC CORAM: THE HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE CHITTARANJAN DASH Order No. ORDER 24.07.2026 02. 1. Heard learned counsel for the parties. 2. Mr. Khirod Bihari Bharat Nag, Tahasildar, Kalahandi at Bhawanipatna, is present in person through virtual mode. He failed to explain the manner in which the impugned order came to be passed rejecting the Petitioner's application for verification. Fairly conceding the position, the learned Tahasildar submitted that the impugned order is not a speaking order and agreed that it would be appropriate if the matter is remitted to him for passing a fresh speaking order. 3. Regard being had to the fact that the application was submitted online and that at no point of time was the Petitioner afforded an opportunity of being heard, this Court is inclined to interfere with the impugned order. Accordingly, the impugned order dated 02.11.2025 is hereby quashed. The matter is remitted to the Tahasildar, Kalahandi at Bhawanipatna, for fresh adjudication after issuing due notice to the Petitioner and affording him an adequate opportunity of hearing. The entire exercise shall p. 2 be completed within a period of two months from the date of communication of this order. 4. The personal appearance of the concerned Tahasildar is dispensed with. (Chittaranjan Dash) Judge AKPradhan Designation: Senior Stenographer