Cuttack: The Orissa High Court, in a hearing, questioned the State of Odisha on the re-engagement of a retired Engineer-in-Chief (EIC) (Civil) while a promotion-eligible officer awaits advancement.
The case, filed by Krushna Chandra Mohanty in WP(C) No. 18537 of 2025, highlights alleged discrepancies in promotion procedures.
Justice Aditya Kumar Mohapatra presiding over the case, observed that “vacancy against regular post cannot be filled up by reengaging officers who have retired.” The court noted that this stance is consistent with a recent State Government resolution dated September 12, 2024.
Shri Mohanty, represented by Senior Advocate Ms. Pami Rath, contended that despite being eligible for promotion to EIC (Civil), he has been overlooked.
Ms. Rath pointed to the minutes of a Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meeting held on May 2, 2025. She stated that Shri Mohanty’s name appeared at serial number 4 in a panel of ten Chief Engineers (Civil) considered for three EIC (Civil) posts. However, while the officer at serial number 3, Bibhuti Bhusan Dash, was promoted, Shri Mohanty’s case was not considered.
Further, Ms. Rath informed the Court that the State Government have re-engaged an individual who retired as EIC on June 30, 2025.
Mr. U.C. Jena, the Additional Standing Counsel representing the State, requested time from the court to obtain instructions on the matter.
The court has listed the matter for further hearing on July 21, 2025.
Adding to the pressure on the State Government, the Odisha Engineers Service Association (OESA) has strongly condemned the re-engagement of retired EICs.
The OESA President Shri Biranchi Narayan Pradhan views such re-engagements as a significant setback to the promotional prospects of serving engineers and believes they obstruct the natural career progression of qualified and experienced serving engineers who are capable of holding top positions.
The Association has consistently advocated for the appointment of serving engineers to leadership roles and has urged the State Government to immediately reconsider such appointment orders.