HC allows OSSSC to continue recruitment process for 713 posts | Bhubaneswar News
Cuttack: Orissa high court on Friday allowed the Odisha Subordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) to continue with the recruitment process for 713 livestock inspectors and foresters but imposed restrictions on filling up 63 posts.
Justice Aditya Kumar Mohapatra issued the interim order on a batch of petitions seeking intervention against the withholding of provisional results of the written test and not issuing, in many cases, admit cards for the physical test scheduled for Monday.
OSSSC had invited applications for 713 posts of livestock inspectors and foresters on Oct 20, 2023. Written examinations were held between April 24 and May 7, 2024.
On Feb 19, 8,496 candidates were provisionally screened based on the written examination for the physical test on March 3. However, the provisional results and screening of 337 candidates were kept on hold until the final decision of the commission.
During a preliminary hearing of the petitions on Friday, advocate general Pitambar Acharya, appearing for the state and OSSSC, sought some time to file a counter affidavit justifying their conduct in withholding the provisional result concerning the petitioners. He contended that certain allegations were received regarding the petitioners in connection with the adoption of unfair means in the computer-based test (CBT).
Hence, they were issued showcause notices, and in the event the petitioners satisfy the authorities by filing their replies, their cases shall be considered. Therefore, at this stage, it could not be known that their candidature was rejected altogether, Acharya further contended.
Considering Acharya’s contention, Justice Mohapatra granted the state and OSSSC four weeks to file a counter affidavit and a rejoinder by the petitioner within one week thereafter. The matter was scheduled for the next hearing “in the week commencing April 7”.
“As an interim measure, it is directed that the selection process continue; however, 63 posts under advertisement — 41 posts of forester and 22 posts of livestock inspector — shall not be filled up till the next date,” Justice Mohapatra specified in his order.
Justice Aditya Kumar Mohapatra issued the interim order on a batch of petitions seeking intervention against the withholding of provisional results of the written test and not issuing, in many cases, admit cards for the physical test scheduled for Monday.
OSSSC had invited applications for 713 posts of livestock inspectors and foresters on Oct 20, 2023. Written examinations were held between April 24 and May 7, 2024.
On Feb 19, 8,496 candidates were provisionally screened based on the written examination for the physical test on March 3. However, the provisional results and screening of 337 candidates were kept on hold until the final decision of the commission.
During a preliminary hearing of the petitions on Friday, advocate general Pitambar Acharya, appearing for the state and OSSSC, sought some time to file a counter affidavit justifying their conduct in withholding the provisional result concerning the petitioners. He contended that certain allegations were received regarding the petitioners in connection with the adoption of unfair means in the computer-based test (CBT).
Hence, they were issued showcause notices, and in the event the petitioners satisfy the authorities by filing their replies, their cases shall be considered. Therefore, at this stage, it could not be known that their candidature was rejected altogether, Acharya further contended.
Considering Acharya’s contention, Justice Mohapatra granted the state and OSSSC four weeks to file a counter affidavit and a rejoinder by the petitioner within one week thereafter. The matter was scheduled for the next hearing “in the week commencing April 7”.
“As an interim measure, it is directed that the selection process continue; however, 63 posts under advertisement — 41 posts of forester and 22 posts of livestock inspector — shall not be filled up till the next date,” Justice Mohapatra specified in his order.
