Orissa High Court Extends Deadline for State Government in PIL on Employee Strike Enforcement
The Orissa High Court has granted an additional two weeks to the state government to submit its reply affidavit in a significant public interest litigation (PIL) that demands strict enforcement of the Orissa Government Servants' Conduct Rules, 1959. These rules explicitly prohibit government employees from participating in strikes or similar industrial actions that disrupt public services.
Background of the Public Interest Litigation
The PIL was filed by Cuttack resident Pratap Chandra Sahoo, who has raised serious concerns about alleged inaction by authorities against members of the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) Association and the Orissa Revenue Employees Sangha (ORES). According to the petition, these groups have participated in strikes in clear violation of the established service conduct rules that govern employee behavior and responsibilities.
Represented by advocate Anup Kumar Mohapatra, the petitioner has called for stringent disciplinary measures against officials who abstained from work during these strikes. The suggested actions include wage deductions, suspension from duties, or even dismissal from service, depending on the severity of the violations and the circumstances surrounding each case.
Court Proceedings and Timeline
In a recent order dated January 27, a two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M S Raman responded to a request from the Additional Government Advocate representing the state authorities. The bench stated: "As requested by the Additional Government Advocate appearing for the State authorities, two weeks' time is extended to file an affidavit. Rejoinder, if any, be filed by one week thereafter."
The court has scheduled the next hearing for February 17, when the matter will be considered alongside the state government's reply affidavit. This PIL was originally filed on November 7, 2025, and the court took cognizance of the petition, issuing a notice to the state government on December 9, 2025.
Previously, when the state government sought more time to prepare its response on December 23, 2025, the court had already granted a two-week extension and postponed the matter to January 27. This latest extension marks a continuation of the judicial process, allowing the government adequate time to address the allegations thoroughly.
Implications and Legal Context
This case highlights ongoing tensions between government employees' rights to protest and the legal frameworks designed to ensure uninterrupted public administration. The Orissa Government Servants' Conduct Rules, 1959, serve as a cornerstone for maintaining discipline and efficiency within the state's bureaucratic machinery.
Strict enforcement of these rules could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled across other states in India, potentially influencing labor relations and administrative accountability in the public sector. The court's decision to grant extensions reflects a balanced approach, ensuring that both the petitioner's concerns and the government's need for a comprehensive response are addressed fairly.
As the legal proceedings unfold, stakeholders including employee associations, legal experts, and the general public will be closely monitoring the outcomes, which could have far-reaching effects on governance and employee conduct in Odisha.
