Sanjukta Jena v. Commnr Cum Chairman State Transport Authority, Odisha

IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK

W.P.(C) NO. 25439 OF 2022 Sanjukta Jena ....

Petitioner Mr. Sukanta Kumar Mishra, Advocate -versusCommissioner-cum-Chairman, State Transport Authority, Odisha, Cuttack and others ....

Opp. Parties Mr. Pravakar Behera, Standing Counsel (For Transport Department)

CORAM:

JUSTICE K.R. MOHAPATRA

ORDER

Order No.

14.10.2022

3. 1.

This matter is taken up through hybrid mode.

2.

The Petitioner in this writ petition prays for a direction to set aside the decision taken in the committee meeting of State Transport Authority, Odisha, Cuttack held on 24th August, 2022 under Annexure-6 and to consider her application for grant of temporary permit in respect of the vehicle bearing Registration No.0R-05-AD-0721 from Rajatota to Cuttack via Bari and back. 3.

It is submitted by learned counsel for the Petitioner that although an application was made for grant of temporary permit in respect of the aforesaid route, but the same has been rejected without assigning any reason vide Annexure-6. In that regard, the Petitioner has made a representation/grievance petition to the Secretary, STA, Odisha, Cuttack on 5th September, 2022 as at Annexure-5. He, therefore, prays for a direction for early disposal of said representation/grievance petition.

// 2 // 4.

Mr. Behera, learned Standing Counsel for Transport Department submits that the route from Rajatota to Cuttack via Bari has been rationalized, but it is yet to be implemented in view of the request made by the private Bus Owners' Association. But, however, steps have been taken to implement the rationalization of timing slot very shortly. In the event the rationalization policy is implemented, an advertisement shall be made and the Petitioner, if so advised, may make an application for consideration. 5.

Taking note of the submissions made by learned counsel for the parties, this writ petition is disposed of with a direction that the State Transport Authority may take a decision on the representation/grievance petition stated to be pending before him as expeditiously as possible preferably within a period of two months from the date of production of certified copy of this order. 6.

It is made clear that this Court has not expressed any opinion on the merits of submission made by either of the parties. Urgent certified copy of this order be granted on proper application.

(K.R. Mohapatra) Judge bks