TRINATH SHAKTI GROUP Vs. STATE OF ODISHA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This writ application has been filed by the petitioner, Trinath Shakti Group (SHG), assailing the order dtd. 14/10/2025 passed by the Director, ICDS & Social Welfare, Women and Child Development Department, Government of Odisha, whereby the appeal preferred by the petitioner was rejected and the order of the Collector, Bhadrak dtd. 20/9/2019, disengaging the petitioner from the preparation and supply of Take Home Ration (THR/Chhatua) under the Chandbali-II ICDS Project, was confirmed.

(2.) The petitioner is a registered Self Help Group situated at Orasahi under Chandbali Block in the district of Bhadrak. It holds a valid food licence issued under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 for manufacture and supply of Take Home Ration (THR) Chhatua. Pursuant to agreements executed with the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO), Chandbali-II ICDS Project, the petitioner had been engaged for preparation and supply of THR (Chhatua) under the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) since the year 2011. The agreements were renewed from time to time in accordance with the applicable guidelines. During the period from 2011 till October, 2019, the petitioner's unit was subjected to periodical inspections by various inspecting teams. The inspection reports placed on record indicate that the quality of THR supplied by the petitioner and its performance under the ICDS Project were found satisfactory. No adverse communication relating to quality, hygiene or delay in supply was issued to the petitioner during the said period. On 10/9/2019, a District Level Enquiry Team headed by the Tahasildar, Chandbali conducted an enquiry into the functioning of the petitioner SHG and submitted a report. The report recorded certain observations relating to non-installation of a roasting machine, cash transactions and maintenance of cash book and pass book.

(3.) The Director, ICDS & Social Welfare, by order dtd. 14/10/2025, rejected the appeal preferred by the petitioner and confirmed the order dtd. 20/9/2019 passed by the Collector, Bhadrak, observing inter alia that continuation of the petitioner was detrimental to public interest. Consequent upon the appellate order, by order dtd. 15/10/2025, the Collector, Bhadrak engaged Maa Basulai WSHG for preparation and supply of THR (Chhatua) under the Chandbali-II ICDS Project in place of the petitioner.