p. 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK W.P.(C) No. 5382 of 2026 Laxman Chandra Acharya and another …. Petitioners Represented by Mr. B.B. Nanda, Advocate -Versus – State of Odisha and others …. Opp. Parties Represented by Mrs. J. Sahoo, ASC CORAM: JUSTICE SASHIKANTA MISHRA ORDER_ 24.04.2026 1. This matter is taken up through hybrid mode. 2. Heard learned counsel for petitioners and learned Addl. Standing Counsel for the State. 3. The petitioners are aggrieved by the alleged refusal of the registering authority to accept the draft sale deed dated 22.01.2026 proposed to be submitted by them for registration. No reason has been indicated. In fact, the document itself appears to have not been accepted. 4. This Court has time and again held that the registering authority being a functionary under the statute cannot refuse to accept a document submitted for registration, though the decision whether to register it or not can be taken by them. 5. In such view of the matter, the Writ Petition is disposed of directing the Sub-Registrar, Barang to accept the sale deed Order No. 1. p. 2 proposed to be submitted by the petitioners and consider the same in accordance with law. (Sashikanta Mishra) Judge BC.TUDU Designation: Sr. Stenographer