IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK W.P(C) No.504 of 2026 Manoranjan Sahoo …. Petitioner Mr. G.R. Sethi, Advocate -versus- State of Odisha & Ors. …. Opposite Parties Mr. S. Das, ASC CORAM: JUSTICE BIRAJA PRASANNA SATAPATHY Order No. ORDER 09.01.2026 01. 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 with the following prayer:- “It is therefore humbly prayed that this Hon'ble Court may graciously be pleased to admit the case, call for the records and after hearing both the parties pass the following reliefs; i) To departmental quash the proceeding No. 18045 dtd.31.10.2023 under Annexure-1. ii) To direct the Opposite Party not to proceed with the Departmental Proceeding No. 18045 dtd. 31.10.2203 under Annexure-1 till conclusion of Cuttack Vigilance P.S. Case No.43 dtd.29.10.2024 pending in the court of learned Special Judge (Vigilance), Dhenkanal. iii) To quash the show cause notice dtdd. 15.12.2025 under Annexure- 5. iv) And pass such other order/orders as may be deemed fit and proper for the interest of justice. And for this act of kindness, the petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray.” 4. It is contended that on self-same issue, Petitioner was proceeded with in a disciplinary proceeding vide Memorandum dtd.31.10.2023 and in a criminal proceeding in Hindol P.S. Case No.204 dtd.08.08.2023. Aforesaid Hindol P.S. Case No.204 of 2023 was subsequently transferred and registered as Cuttack Vigilance P.S. Case No.32 dtd.29.10.2024. 4.1. It is contended that since on self-same issue, a vigilance proceeding is pending against the Petitioner in Cuttack Vigilance P.S. Case No.32 dtd.29.10.2024, in the departmental proceeding, Petitioner could not have been issued with the impugned 2nd show cause notice on 15.12.2025 under Annexure-5 proposing therein to dismiss him from his services. 4.2. It is also contended that since Petitioner is now continuing in custody because of his arrest, he is not in a position to give his reply to the 2nd show cause so issued on 15.12.2025. 4.3. It is accordingly contended that since Petitioner is in custody, sufficient time be allowed to him to file his reply to the 2nd show cause and he can file the same only after he is released from custody. 5. Learned Addl. Standing Counsel for the State on the other hand contended that if Petitioner is continuing in custody at present as contended, let him file his reply to the 2nd show-cause through the concerned Jail Superintendent. 6. Considering the submissions made, this Court while disposing the Writ Petition permits the Petitioner to file his reply to the 2nd show cause through the concerned Jail Superintendent on or before 30.01.2026. Opposite Party No.2 is directed to take a final decision with due consideration of the objection to be filed by 30.01.2026 through the concerned Jail Superintendent. However, it is observed that the final order to be passed in the disciplinary proceeding, shall be subject to final outcome of the vigilance proceeding. 7. Accordingly, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. (Biraja Prasanna Satapathy) Subrat Judge