Geeta Mallick vs State Of Odisha And Others

I.A. No.1249 of 2020

For the reasons stated, the delay in filing the writ appeal is condoned.

The I.A. is accordingly allowed.

WA No.389 of 2019

The present appeal is directed against an order dated 8th July 2019 passed by the learned Single Judge dismissing the Appellant's W.P.(C) No.9523 of 2019.

This was the second round of litigation before the learned Single Judge. Earlier the Appellant had filed W.P.(C) No.16825 of 2018 which was disposed of on 7th December 2018 with a direction to the authority to take a decision on the appeal of the Appellant within three months.

In compliance to that order, the Collector, Kandhamal passed a reasoned order rejecting the appeal on 28th March 2019. The said order was again challenged in W.P.(C) No.9523 of 2019 which has been dismissed by the impugned order of the learned Single Judge.

Learned counsel appearing for the Appellant seeks to argue that the Appellant, who was an Anganwadi Worker (AWW) had been unfairly treated since the only allegation against her was unauthorized absence from the headquarters.

However, on an examination of the reasons given by the Collector, it is seen that there were other complaints as well against the Appellant which included non distribution of eggs and THR to the beneficiaries, non-sponsoring the applications of eligible beneficiaries for the MAMATA Scheme and so on. Further, the action was taken after an enquiry was held into the allegations made against the Appellant by the villagers. It is also seen that as a result of the non-cooperation of the Appellant "the pre-school children of the Gadagaballi AWC had been deprived of getting their uniform. As also the pre-school activities were completely ceased".

The Court is unable to be persuaded to interfere with the impugned order of the learned Single Judge. The writ appeal is accordingly dismissed.

An urgent certified copy of this order be issued as per rules.

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