Keonjhar/Hatadihi: The Keonjhar district administration has come under scrutiny for failing to comply with a directive of the Orissa High Court within the stipulated time, leading to the filing of a contempt of court case.
A report highlighting the delay in compliance was published in OrissaPOST April 1.
A day after the report appeared, Keonjhar Collector Vishal Singh issued an order in accordance with the high court’s directive.
However, the order (No. 611, dated March 9, 2026) was sent to the complainant via email April 2, indicating a delay of 21 days.
According to the order, the complainant was not terminated from service and may apply through appropriate procedures for enhanced remuneration.
The matter relates to a District Mineral Foundation (DMF) employee who alleged that he was illegally and verbally removed from service after seeking a salary hike.
He subsequently filed a writ petition (WPC No. 35177/2025) before the Orissa High Court.
The high court, directed the Collector December 10, 2025 to examine the complaint within four weeks. A notice (No. 84, dated January 13, 2026) was later issued, fixing January 17 for the hearing.
However, despite the hearing, no decision was communicated for more than two months, prompting the complainant to fi le a contempt petition March 26, 2026.
The case (CONTC No. 1870/2026) has been filed against the Collector in his capacity as chairman of the Keonjhar DMF.
The delay in issuing and communicating the order has raised concerns over adherence to judicial timelines and administrative accountability.