Page 1 of 3. IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK WP(C) No. 5457 of 2026 Rukmana Bariha & Anr. ..... Petitioners Mr. J. Pal, Advocate -versus- State of Odisha & Ors. ..... Opposite Parties Mr. S.P. Das, ASC CORAM: THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE BIRAJA PRASANNA SATAPATHY ORDER 09.04.2026 Order No. 04 1. This matter is taken up through hybrid mode. 2. At the outset, learned counsel appearing for the Petitioner contended that the writ petition be confined to Petitioner No. 1 only and liberty be given to file separate writ petition in respect of another Petitioner. Such prayer is allowed. 3. Heard Mr. J. Pal, learned counsel appearing for the Petitioner and Mr. S.P. Das, learned Addl. Standing Counsel appearing for the Opp. Parties. 4. Pursuant to order dtd.27.02.2026, learned Addl. Standing Counsel produced the instruction so provided by the Department vide letter dtd.08.04.2026. The same be kept in record. 5. Basing on the instruction, it is contended that the final gradation list of Forest Ranger after issuance of the tentative gradation list under Annexure-11 dtd.24.09.2024 has not yet been finalized. However, it is contended that since Petitioner has already got the benefit of promotion to the rank of Asst. Conservator of Forest vide Page 2 of 3. order dtd.18.09.2023 under Annexure-7, Petitioner has no locus standi to challenge the impugned tentative gradation list of Forest Ranger so published under Annexure-11. 6. To the submission made by the learned ASC, learned counsel appearing for the Petitioner contended that though it is not disputed that Petitioner has already got the benefit of promotion to the next higher rank of Asst. Conservator of Forest, OFS Group-A (JB) vide notification dtd.18.09.2023 under Annexure-7, but in view of the placement of the Forest Rangers in the tentative gradation list dtd.24.09.2024 from Sl. No. 55 onwards, where they have been given notional seniority in the rank of Deputy Ranger, Petitioner will be affected because of such extension of seniority in favour of the Forest Rangers, starting from Sl. No. 55 to 199. It is accordingly contended that Petitioner be permitted to file an objection to the placement of the Officers in the rank of Forest Ranger from Sl. No. 55 to 199 in the impugned tentative gradation list. 7. Having heard learned counsel appearing for the Parties and considering the submissions made, it is found that while continuing as a Forest Ranger, Petitioner has already got the benefit of promotion to the next higher rank of Asst. Conservator of Forest, OFS Group-A (JB) vide notification dtd.18.09.2023. As found, the dispute is with regard to fixation of seniority in the rank of Forest Ranger so reflected in the tentative gradation list published on 24.09.2024 under Annexure-11. 7.1. It is the view of this Court that since Petitioner has already got the benefit of promotion to the next higher rank, he will no way be prejudiced with regard to fixation of the seniority of the officers in the rank of Forest Ranger OFS Group-B. However, it is observed that Page 3 of 3. if Petitioner will feel aggrieved with regard to his seniority at any point of time because of the placement of the Officers from Sl. No. 55 to 199, he can raise his grievance before the appropriate forum. 8. With the aforesaid liberty, the writ petition stands disposed of. (BIRAJA PRASANNA SATAPATHY) Judge Sneha