STATE OF ODISHA Vs. BANSIDHAR BARIKI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The present Writ Appeal arises from the judgment dtd. 20/11/2024 passed by the learned Single Judge in W.P.(C) No.2265 of 2023, whereby the learned Single Judge was pleased to set aside the order of dismissal dtd. 5/7/2022 passed by the Superintendent of Police, Kandhamal and the appellate order dtd. 13/12/2022 passed by the Inspector General of Police, Southern Range, Berhampur, and further directed reinstatement of the writ petitioner with all consequential service and financial benefits.

(2.) Heard Mr. Debaraj Mohanty, learned Additional Government Advocate, appearing for the appellants-State and Mr. Srinivas Mohanty, learned counsel on behalf of the respondent/writ petitioner.

(3.) The facts of this case, in brief, are that the respondent was serving as a Constable in the Odisha Police establishment. On the basis of an allegation arising out of Kandhamal Sadar P.S. Case No.68 dtd. 29/5/2015, registered under Sec. 20(b)(ii)(C) read with Sec. 29 of the NDPS Act, he came under the scanner and was exposed to both criminal prosecution and departmental proceedings.