CHHABINDRA MUKHI Vs. STATE OF ODISHA AND ORS.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition, in the nature of public interest litigation, has been filed by an advocate of Nimapara having more than 30 years of practice questioning the bonafide of demolition of the existing building of Panchayat Samiti of the block in question which has not been declared unsafe and construction of a new building in hot haste, involving huge financial investments, without following the procedure. It is also stated in the prayer that huge financial investment is being proposed to be done by way of tampering official records. Thereby to safeguard the interest of the public at large, this petition has been filed by the petitioner seeking interference of this Court.

(2.) Mr. S. Mohanty, learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the speed at which sanction has been granted for construction of new building itself goes to show that there is some financial bungling. He placed reliance on the order sheet of the record to show that in December, 2014, a proposal was made by Block Development Officer for construction of Panchayat Samiti building and within two months, on 18.02.2015, financial sanction and approval has been given by the competent authority. He thus contends that the action of the opposite parties amounts to arbitrary and unreasonable action, aimed at swallowing unutilized Government money in the guise of colourable exercise of powers.

(3.) Mr. B.P. Pradhan, learned Addl. Govt. Advocate refuted such allegations with vehemence referring to the counter affidavit filed by the opposite parties.