PRADEEP KUMAR PANIGRAHI Vs. LOKAYUKTA, ODISHA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This matter is taken up by video conferencing mode.

(2.) Heard Mr. Pitambar Acharya, learned Senior Advocate for the Petitioner and Mr. A.K. Parija, learned Advocate General assisted by Mr. M.S. Sahoo, learned Additional Government Advocate for the State-Opposite Parties.

(3.) The challenge in the present writ petition is the order dtd. 11/12/2020 passed by the Odisha Lokayukta (Lokayukta') in LY Case No. 1348 of 2020, which reads as under: "This complaint dtd. 9/12/2020 is received from Ranjan Kumar Das, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Vigilance Cell Unit, Bhubaneswar wherein serious allegation of corruption is made against Dr. Pradeep Kumar Panigrahi, Member of Odisha Legislative Assembly of Gopalpur Constituency. The complaint is based on a secret verification of the Vigilance Cell. It is also supported by number of documents. The complaint prima facie reveals that Dr.Pradeep Kumar Panigrahi by resorting to corrupt practice has amassed assets disproportionate to his known source of income. We therefore by exercising powers conferred under sec. 20(1) of the Odisha Lokayukta Act, 2014 direct the Directorate of Vigilance, Odisha, Cuttack to conduct a preliminary inquiry against Dr. Pradeep Kumar Panigrahi and submit the report within two months. We also direct the Director of Vigilance to ensure that during the preliminary inquiry provisions of sec. 20(2) of the same Act are duly complied with. The Office shall immediately supply the relevant record to the Director of Vigilance for information and compliance. List the matter on 12/2/2021 for submission of preliminary inquiry report."