Maa Biraja self-help group gets relief in paddy procurement case
The petitioner, represented by secretary Mani Pani, challenged the order dated May 13, 2025, which barred the SHG from participating in procurement operations. The group has been actively involved in paddy procurement under the Regulated Marketing committee (RMC), Sambalpur, since its recommendation by the sub-divisional selection committee on October 21, 2020.
Maa Biraja SHG was licensed as a trader/commission agent/surveyor broker/weighman/measure on March 13, 2023, for operations in the regulated market yard of Sambalpur.
The debarment came amid the procurement season spanning from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. During the hearing, taking note of submissions of senior advocate Subir Palit representing the SHG, the HC observed that no opportunity of hearing had been afforded to the petitioner either during the enquiry or before issuing the debarment order.
The additional government advocate conceded that no such opportunity was given, suggesting it would have been a mere formality.
Justice Raman directed that the final order must be duly communicated to the petitioner, reaffirming the need for transparency and procedural fairness in administrative actions.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
7 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Bureaucrat Bishnupada Sethi gets protection from arrest till July 8
CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court on Thursday granted interim protection from arrest to senior IAS officer Bishnupada Sethi in connection with the ongoing CBI investigation into an alleged corruption case. The court has posted the matter for further hearing on July 8. The case originates from the December 8 arrest of a group general manager of a public sector undertaking (PSU), who was allegedly caught accepting rS 10 lakh bribe from a Bhubaneswar-based real estate firm. During interrogation, Sethi's name reportedly surfaced, leading the CBI to conduct a search at his residence on February 18. Sethi had earlier filed a writ petition on February 25 seeking to quash the CBI investigation. The high court had granted him interim protection at that time, which was extended periodically until the petition was dismissed on June 20. On the same day, Sethi filed an anticipatory bail plea. After a preliminary hearing on Thursday, Justice V Narasingh granted Sethi interim protection from arrest until the next hearing and sought a status report on the investigation from the CBI. In its June 20 ruling, the court had dismissed the writ petition, calling it 'premature and not maintainable' since the probe was still at an early stage. The court cautioned against misuse of its extraordinary jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution to obstruct legitimate investigations. Emphasising the principle that 'higher the office, greater the responsibility,' the court remarked that public servants, especially senior bureaucrats like Sethi, are expected to uphold the law and not evade scrutiny. It also criticised what it described as 'forum-shopping' by the petitioners, warning that allowing such practices would send a dangerous message.
New Indian Express
a day ago
- New Indian Express
Minor accused of rape granted bail in POCSO case
CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has ordered to release on bail a minor accused of rape under the POCSO Act, setting aside earlier orders passed by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) and the Children's Court in Bhadrak. The minor, referred to as the Child in Conflict with Law (CICL), had been in custody since March 5, 2025, and sought bail under section 102 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. Pronouncing the verdict on June 30, Justice Gourishankar Satapathy said, 'Bail to CICL is the rule, and detention is the exception.' The petitioner, Omm Prakash Nayak, was arrested for allegedly committing rape, a charge that falls under the stringent provisions of the POCSO Act. However, the court noted that in the case registered at the Naikanidihi police station, both the accused and the victim are minors and that a charge sheet has already been filed in the case.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
At 6.9 lakh MT, Assam hits all-time high kharif paddy procurement: CM
Guwahati: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday announced the state achieved its highest-ever paddy procurement, purchasing nearly seven lakh metric tonnes during the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-25. This represents more than a two-fold increase compared to the previous season. "We are proud to announce the successful conclusion of Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-25 with a record paddy procurement of 6.97 lakh MT -- the highest ever!" Sarma stated in a post on his X handle. He added that the state procured 3.14 lakh MT during the 2023-24 KMS and 5.92 lakh MT in KMS 2022-23. "This remarkable achievement reflects our commitment to ensuring that our farmers are connected to markets and the Minimum Support Price they rightfully deserve," Sarma said. Last month, the CM set a target of procuring 5.85 lakh MT of paddy for the 2024-25 KMS. Sarma also highlighted that Assam's agricultural products are catering to the global market due to their high quality and nutrient-rich content. Farmers from Majuli district exported 267 MT of Red Rice to the Middle East and EU markets. He wrote on X, "Assam's agricultural products are capturing the global market due to their high quality & nutrient-rich content. Recently, farmers from Majuli expanded their reach to the Middle East and EU markets as they exported 267MT of Red Rice- earning higher profits & establishing Brand Assam. " Additionally, Majuli, a river island district in Assam, achieved a significant milestone as its indigenous organic red bao paddy made its debut in the global market. The first consignment of this unique rice variety was exported to countries in Central Asia and Europe. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
