The Chief Justice of the High Court has constituted 30 committees to deal with the administrative work of the High Court. A summary of the work done by each of the committees is given below.

1. Standing Committee

Chairman
The Chief Justice
Members

Dr. Justice B.R.Sarangi, Justice Arindam Sinha, Justice D. Dash, Justice S.K. Sahoo, Justice K.R. Mohapatra, Justice B.P. Routray

During 2023, Dr. Justice S. Muralidhar, former Chief Justice was the Chairman of this Committee till 07th August, 2023 . Justice S. Talapatra was member of the Committee till 7th August, 2023 and remained Chairman of the Committee as the Chief Justice from 8th August, 2023 to 3rd October, 2023.Dr. Justice B.R. Sarangi was Chairman of the Committee as the Acting Chief Justice from 10th October, 2023 for the remaining part of the year.

Justice Jaswant Singh was a member of the Committee till 14th February, 2023. Justice B. Rath was a member of the Committee till 06th September, 2023 Dr. Justice S.K.Panigrahi was the member of the Committee from 10th October, 2023 for the remaining part of the year. In the meantime, the Committee has been reconstituted with effect from 15th February, 2024.

The Standing Committee deals with all service-related matters like promotion, transfer, disciplinary matters etc. and so on of Judicial Officers belonging to the cadres of Civil Judge (Jr. Divn.) and Civil Judge (Sr. Divn.). In 2023, 27 officers from the cadre of Civil Judge (Jr. Divn.) were promoted to the cadre of Civil Judge (Sr. Divn.) on the recommendation of this Committee.

2. Review Committee

Chairman
Dr. Justice B.R.Sarangi
Members
Justice Arindam Sinha, Justice D. Dash,
Justice S.K. Sahoo, Justice K.R. Mohapatra,
Justice B.P. Routray,
Dr. Justice S.K. Panigrahi

During 2023, Dr. Justice S. Muralidhar, former Chief Justice was the Chairman of this Committee till 07th August, 2023. Justice S. Talapatra was member of the Committee till 7th August, 2023 and remained Chairman of the Committee as the Chief Justice from 8th August, 2023 to 3rd October, 2023.

Justice Jaswant Singh was a member of the Committee till 14th February, 2023. Justice B. Rath was a member of the Committee till 06th September, 2023.

The Review Committee reviews the performance of judicial officers immediately prior to their completing the ages of 50 years, 55 years and 58 years. The Committee recommends whether they should continue in service beyond those ages. In the process, the Committee may even recommend, for the reasons to be recorded, compulsory retirement of officers found inefficient or of doubtful integrity.

In 2023, the performance of 41 officers was reviewed by the Review Committee.While 39 officers in all were found suitable to be continued beyond 50 years, 55 years and 58 years, 2 officers were recommended to be compulsorily retired.

3. Permanent Committee for the designation of Advocates as Senior Advocates

Chairman
The Chief Justice
Members

Dr. Justice B.R. Sarangi, Justice Arindam
Sinha, Advocate General, Odisha, Mr. S.P.
Mishra, Sr. Advocate

During 2023, Justice Jaswant Singh was the member of the Committee till 14th February, 2023. Justice S. Talapatra was member of the Committee till 7th August, 2023 and remained Chairman of the Committee as the Chief Justice from 8th August, 2023 to 3rd October, 2023. Dr. Justice B.R. Sarangi was Chairman of the Committee as the Acting Chief Justice from 10th October, 2023 for the remaining part of the year. Justice D. Dash was the member of the Committee from 10th October, 2023 for the remaining part of the year. In the meantime, the Committee has been reconstituted with effect from 15th February, 2024.

This Committee examines the applications received from advocates and makes recommendations as per the Orissa High Court (Designation of Senior Advocates) Rules, 2019. During 2023, the Committee examined 17 applications and made recommendations. 05 Advocates were designated as Senior Advocates on 27th June, 2023 on the recommendation of the Committee.

4. Vigilance and Disciplinary Committee

Chairman

Dr. Justice B.R.Sarangi
Members
Justice D. Dash,
Justice K.R. Mohapatra,
Justice B.P. Routray

This committee examines complaints received against judicial officers and recommends whether they should be proceeded with by way of a disciplinary action or the complaints should be dropped. Complaints that are anonymous or unsupported by an affidavit or unverified are usually not enetertained.

During 2023, Dr. Justice S. Muralidhar, former Chief Justice was the Chairman of this Committee till 07th August, 2023. Justice S. Talapatra was member of the Committee till 7th August, 2023 and remained Chairman of the Committee as the Chief Justice from 8th August, 2023 to 3rd October, 2023.

Justice Jaswant Singh was a member of the Committee till 14th February, 2023.

5. Building Committee

Chairman
Dr. Justice B.R.Sarangi
Members

Justice R.K. Pattanaik, Justice A.K. Mohapatra,
Justice B.P. Satapathy and Justice
Chittaranjan Dash

Earlier, there used to be two Building Committees of the Court – one for infrastructure of the High Court of Orissa and the other for the infrastructure of the District Judiciary. This arrangement continued till 14th February, 2023.

Till 14th February, 2023 the erstwhile High Court Building Committee consisted of Justice Jaswant Singh as Chairman and Justice D. Dash, Justice A.K. Mohapatra, Justice V. Narasingh and Justice Chittaranjan Dash as members, and the Building Committee for District Judiciary consisted of Dr. Justice B.R. Sarangi as Chairman and Justice R.K. Pattanaik, Justice B.P. Satapathy and Justice G. Satapathy as Members. Likewise, till 14th February, 2023 the erstwhile Building Committee for District Judiciary consisted of Dr. Justice B.R. Sarangi as Chairman and Justice R.K. Pattanaik, Justice B.P. Satapathy & Justice G. Satapathy as Members.

The two Building Committees were merged on 15th February, 2023 and since then a single Committee is dealing with infrastructural matters of both – the High Court & the District Judiciary. In order to meet the requirement of the presentand that of the future, massive expansion ofJudicial Infrastructure is the need of the hour for the smooth functioning of Courts in the State. The infrastructural projects of the District Judiciary of the State are mainly undertaken under two schemes i.e. Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) and State Sector Scheme (SSS).

Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS)

Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) has been introduced and implemented by the Government of India since the financial year 1993-94 for infrastructural development of the Judiciary to augment the resources of the State Government. Recently, the Central Government have been pleased to extend the Scheme till the F.Y.-2025-26.

Under the CSS, the fund sharing pattern is in the ratio of 60:40 between the Centre and the State as far as the State of Odisha is concerned i.e. 60 % of the funds are to be released by the Central Government while the commensurate State share of 40% are to be provided by the State Government.

Funds to the tune of Rs. 51.15 Crore (Rs. 30.69 Crore as Central Share + Rs. 20.46 Crore as State Share) have been earmarked for the financial year, 2022-23 under the CSS and the funds so earmarked have been received during the fag end of the financial year, 2022- 23 i.e. in the month of March, 2023 and all the funds so received are being utilized for infrastructural development of the District Judiciary in this financial year by following the guidelines framed by the Ministry of Law & Justice (Department of Justice) and the Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure), Government of India.

Further, funds to the tune of Rs. 69.97 Crore (Rs. 41.982 Crore Central Share + Rs. 27.988 Crore State Share) have been earmarked for the financial year, 2023-24 under the CSS and in total 89 projects have been included in the Action Plan, 2023-24. Out of such 89 projects, 36 Nos. of new projects pertaining to the District Judiciary of the State have been accorded with Administrative Approval by the Court under the Scheme.

Moreover, a proposal of Rs. 221,47,50,849/- (Rupees Two Hundred Twenty-One Crore Forty-Seven Lakh Fifty Thousand Eight Hundred Forty-Nine Only) has been sent to the State Government by the Court for taking necessary steps for provision of funds in the Financial Year, 2024-25 for the purpose of infrastructure development of the District Judiciary under the CSS.

State Sector Scheme (SSS)

The funds are being provided every financial year under the State Sector Scheme (SSS) for infrastructural Development of the State Judiciary, which are fully funded by the State Government.

Budgetary Provision of Rs. 289,87,28,000/- (Rupees Two Eighty Nine Crore Eighty Seven Lakh Twenty Eight Thousand Only) have been made for development of infrastructural facility for the District Judiciary under State Sector Scheme of Programme Expenditure during the financial year, 2023-24. Further, 395 new projects of the District Judiciary have already been accorded with administrative approval by the Court under the Scheme during the period from April, 2023 to December, 2023. Besides, 88 No. of ongoing projects relating to the District Judiciary of the State are being taken up under State Sector Scheme during the F.Y. 2023-24.

Apart from above, a proposal of Rs. 805,65,36,266/- (Rupees Eight Hundred Five Crore Sixty Five Lakh Thirty Six Thousand Two Hundred Sixty Six Only) has been sent to the State Government by the Court for making provision of funds in the Financial Year, 2024-25 for the purpose of infrastructure development of the District Judiciary under SSS.

Repair / renovation / improvement and maintenance of buildings pertaining to the district judiciary

In order to meet the needs of Repair/ Renovation/ Improvement and Maintenance of the existing infrastructures of the District Judiciary, the State Government have allocated Rs. 85,00,00,000 (Rupees Eighty Five Crores only) for fulfilling the requirement of repair/ renovation/ improvement of the infrastructure of the District Judiciary in the financial Year 2023-24, the details about the allocation funds to the respective Executing Agencies for the completion of the approved revenue nature projects till the end of December, 2023 are as follows:

In the financial Year 2023-24 (till December, 2023), the Court have approved 455 Nos. revenue nature projects in total till date i.e. 335 Nos. of Non-residential & 120 Nos. of Residential projects pertaining to the District Judiciary.

The details of such projects are as follows:

Major policy decisions relating to the High Court infrastructure

• Provision of funds was made 550 staff quarters over 10 acres of land at Sector-13, CDA, Cuttack and foundation stone for the project was laid by the Chief Minister;
• Provision of funds was made for 5 new bungalows for Judges in the Cantonment Road area of Cuttack;
• Expansion of the six storied Administrative Block of the High Court was completed and made functional;
• Provision of funds was made for new building of the Centre for Judicial Archives over Ac.1.884 dec at Sector-1, CDA, Cuttack, foundation stone for the project was laid by the Chief Minister and the construction work has substantially progressed;
• Provision of funds was made for covered parking in front of the new building of the High Court. The construction work has been completed and it has been made functional;
•  Provision of funds was made for new Annexe building (B+G+5) for the High Court Bar Association, but the project is yet to commence as it is awaiting administrative approval of the State Government;
•  Provision of funds was made for foot over bridge with facility of lifts for safe access of advocates and litigants to High Court premises from the Ring Road along Kathajodi river, but the project is yet to commence as it is dependent on commencement of new annexe building (B+G+5).
• Funds were provided for rejuvenation of the High Court Museum as Museum of Justice and the work was completed;
• Modernization of IT Cell, Protocol Section, Law Reporter Section and Vehicle Section with new furniture and storage cabinets;
• A toilet in the ground floor of the High Court Building was modified to make it friendly for the persons with disability and transgender;
• Construction of the new building of the High Court Guest House at Puri was completed and the Guest House has been put to use;
• In order to strengthen the security surveillance, the Committee took up installation of new High Resolution CC Cameras and upgraded the existing security gadgets at different locations in the High Court.
• Major policy decisions relating to infrastructure of District Judiciary
• For the menstrual hygiene of the female litigants and female stakeholders and compliance of the directions imparted by Hon’ble the Supreme Court of India vide order dated 08.05.2023 in W.P. (Civil) No.- 538/ 2023 (Rajeeb Kalita Vs Union of India & Others), it was decided to install at least one Sanitary Napkins dispenser and Sanitary Napkins Incinerator in each of the Court Complex of the State. 162 Court Complexes across the State now have adequate facilities for sanitary napkins dispensers. In these Court Complexes, at least one Sanitary Napkins dispenser and one Sanitary Napkins Incinerator have already been installed. In the rest Court Complexes, steps are being taken for installation of the same at the earliest.
• The High Court has laid down the schematics of CCTV Camera installation in all the District Courts of the State pursuant to directions of Hon’ble the Supreme Court of India imparted in W.P.(Crl.) No.99/2015 (Pradyuman Bisht Vs. Union of India and Ors.). As on 9th May, 2023, CCTV Cameras had been installed in 100 Court Complexes across the State. In May, 2023, the High Court asked the District Judges to take steps for installation of CCTVs (IP Camera) with audio and storage facility for 90 days in the appropriate places of the Court Complexes. Till the end of the year, 166 estimates amounting to Rs.30,50,35,527/-  received from various District Courts for the purpose have been approved by the High Court of Orissa under the State Sector Scheme and Rs.30,01,10,165/- was released in favour of the Executing Agencies with instruction to complete the project work within 4 months.
• It was decided to prepare a Compendium of circulars, instructions, rules, guidelines etc. issued pertaining to infrastructure of the District Judiciary including VWDCs of the State for information and use by the District Courts and other stakeholders. The work is going on and likely to be completed in 2024.
• To ensure uniformity in the judicial buildings of District Judiciary with standardized plans and designs, it was decided to approve and adopt the following Model Plans (Designs & Drawings) for construction of Non-Residential and Residential Building projects pertaining to the District Judiciary:

  a. Taluk Court Buildings (Single- Storied) having one functional Court.

  b. Taluk Court Buildings (Double- Storied) having two or more functional Courts.

  c. Bar Association – cum – Canteen Building for Taluk Courts having one or two functional Courts.

  d. B-type Judicial Quarters (Duplex) for Principal District Judge at Headquarters Station.

  e. B-type Judicial Quarters (Duplex) for offi cers of the cadre of District Judge other than Principal District Judge.

  f. B-type Judicial Quarters (Stilt + 3 fl oors) at District Headquarters Stations.

  g. C-type Judicial Quarters (Duplex) at District Headquarters and Outlying stations having one unit.

  h. C-type Judicial Quarters (Stilt + 3 fl oors) at District Headquarters Stations.

  i. D-type Judicial Quarters (Single- Storied) at Single/ Outlying stations having one unit.

  j. D-type Judicial Quarters (Stilt + 3 fl oors) at District Headquarters Stations.

  k. E-type Judicial Staff Quarters (Stilt + 2 fl oors) at Single/ Outlying Stations.

  l. E-type Judicial Staff Quarters (Stilt + 3 fl oors) at District Headquarters Stations.

  m. F-type Judicial Staff Quarters (Stilt + 1 fl oor) at Single/ Outlying stations.

  n. F-type Judicial Staff Quarters (Stilt + 3 fl oors) at District Headquarters Stations.

  • Again, to ensure uniformity in the appearance of all the Residential Quarters owned by the Judiciary in the District Courts of the State for the purpose of safety and security; it was decided that the outer walls of all such residential buildings in occupation of the Judicial Officers and Staff would be painted with brick red colour with lemon yellow borders.
  •  The residential quarters occupied by the Judicial Officers are also used as residential office and visited by advocates, litigants, Police Officers and Officers of different departments during holidays as well as before & after officer hours during working days. It was decided to install Air Conditioners in all the residential office cum- quarters (owned by judiciary as well as spared by the Government) occupied by the Judicial Officers of all cadres of the District Judiciary of the State.

  The list of completed Court buildings, completed Residential quarters and new projects undertaken is at Appendix- B, C & D respectively.

6. Appeal Committee for subordinate Courts

Chairman
Justice K.R. Mohapatra
Members
Justice S.K. Mishra,
Justice Chittaranjan Dash,
Justice A.C. Behera

On 10th October, 2023; the Appeal Committee for Sub-ordinate Courts is re-constituted and has been functioning as such since then, comprising of the Judges of the Court named above.

Prior to that till 14th February, 2023, the Committee was consisting of Shri Justice Jaswant Singh as the Chairman, Dr. Justice B.R. Sarangi, Shri Justice Arindam Sinha and Shri Justice G. Satapathy as the members. Thereafter, for the period 15th February, 2023 to 6th September, 2023, the Committee comprised of Shri Justice
Biswanath Rath as the Chairman and Shri Justice S.K. Sahoo, Shri Justice Sashikanta  Mishra, Shri Justice Chittaranjan Dash as the Members. It is pertinent to mention here that on 6th September, 2023, Hon’ble Shri Justice Biswanath Rath has superannuated from the Bench on attaining the age of retirement. Then for the period 8th September, 2023 to 9th October, 2023, Shri Justice S.K. Sahoo was the Chairman and Shri Justice K.R. Mohapatra, Shri Justice Sashikanta Mishra, Shri Justice Chittaranjan Dash were the members of the Committee.

The Committee has been constituted in terms of Rule 10 of Chapter – II of the Rules of the High Court of Orissa, 1948. It deals with appeals and representations made on the administrative side by the employees of the District Judiciary against the orders passed by the Appointing Authority and Disciplinary Authority.

The provisions contained in Rules 22 & 23 of the Odisha Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1962, permit the non-gazetted staff of the District Judiciary to prefer appeal against the penalties imposed on them by the Disciplinary Authority and orders passed by the Appointing Authority respectively.

At the beginning of 2023, 20 appeals were pending. During the year, 16 new appeals were preferred and 17 appeals were disposed of by the Committee. At the end of the year, 19 appeals are pending.

7. Judicial Academy and Training Committee

Patron in Chief
The Chief Justice
Chairman
Justice D. Dash
Members
Justice K.R. Mohapatra, Dr. Justice S.K. Panigrahi, Justice G. Satapathy, Justice A.C. Behera

During 2023, Dr. Justice S.Muralidhar, former Chief Justice was the Patron-in-Chief till 07th August, 2023. Justice S. Talapatra was Patronin- Chief till 03rd October,2023. Dr. Justice B.R.Sarangi was the Chairman till 09th October, 2023 and remained Patron-in-Chief as the Acting Chief Justice from 10th October,2023 for remaining part of the year.

During 2023, Justice Sashikanta Mishra was a member of this Committee till 14th February, 2023, Justice M.S.Raman was a member of this Committee till 09th October, 2023.

This Committee is entrusted with the responsibility of taking decisions regardingthe training to be imparted to newly recruited judicial officers as well as continuing education to the serving ones. It finalizes the calendarof training workshops, seminars, conferences and events for the entire year. The committee elicits feedback from the participants at every workshop and training session.

A central focus of the committee is on the updation of the knowledge of judicial officers on judicial ethics, judicial skills, sensitization in the areas of gender, disabilities, social issues, poverty, access to justice and environment.

8. Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Committee

Chairman
Justice K.R. Mohapatra
Members

Dr. Justice S. K. Panigrahi, Justice M. S. Raman, Justice Chittaranjan Dash

Dr. Justice S. K. Panigrahi, Justice M. S.Raman, Justice Chittaranjan Dash In 2023, Justice S.Talapatra, former Chief Justice was the Chairman of this Committee till 07th September, 2023, Justice S.K. Sahoo was the Chairman of this Committee till 09thOctober, 2023. Justice S.Ratho was a member of this Committee from 08th September 2023 till 09th October, 2023.

This committee is assigned with the tasks of implementing: Various initiatives of the e-Committee of the Supreme Court of India under the e-Courts project;

Information & Communication Technology (ICT) initiatives of The High Court of Orissa; AI related initiatives under the guidance of the AI Committee of the Supreme Court.

Some of the notable works carried out under the supervision of this Committee in 2023 include, inauguration of 212 paperless courts in various districts of the state, adoption of paperless court system in 15 benches of the Hon’ble Court, inauguration of 30 virtual High Courts in 29 judgeships of the State, organizing the National Conference on digitization, paperless courts and e-initiatives.

The detailed description of the ICT activities undertaken under the supervision of the Committee is given in a separate chapter hereafter.

9. Rules Committee for all Rules (except under Section 123 CPC)

Chairman
Justice B. P. Routray
Members
Justice R.K. Pattanaik,
Justice A.K. Mohapatra,
Justice S.K.Mishra, Justice G. Satapathy

During 2023, Justice S. Talapatra was the Chairman of the Committee till 7th September, 2023.

Registrar (Judicial) acts as Secretary of the committee for making rules relating to High Court Establishment and Registrar (Vigilance) acts as Secretary of the committee for all other matters.***

The Committee constituted in terms of Rule- 7 of the Rules of the High Court of Orissa, 1948, considers proposals to annul, alter or add or to make new Rules for the High Court of Orissa as well as for the District Judiciary of the State.

In 2023, the Committee recommended amendments to various Rules and schemes. Significant among the suggested amendments are the amendments in the G.R. & C.O. (Civil) and G.R. & C.O.  (Criminal) on Examination of witness through Virtual Mode, Dress Code for the Employees of the District Judiciary of the State in order to maintain Discipline and Decorum in the Office, mode of recording evidence of rape victims etc.

The other important recommendations includes amendment of the High Court of Orissa (Appointment of Staff and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2019 for amalgamation of the posts of common cadre of Assistant Registrars & incorporation of the posts of Junior Librarian and Assistant Editor, amendment of the High Court of Orissa (Designation of Senior Advocate) Rules, 2019 on fixation of certain criteria for the designation of Senior Advocate, amendment of the Odisha Superior Judicial Service and Odisha judicial Service Rules, 2007 on restructuring of cadres of Judicial Officers & recording of Annual CCRs of the Judicial officers.

A list of the recommendations of the Committee made during the year is at Appendix-E.

10. Departmental Promotion Committee for the staff of the High Court (other than Group-D)

Chairman
Justice B.P. Routray
Members
Justice R.K. Pattanaik, Justice Chittaranjan
Dash, Justice Sibo Sankar Mishra

During 2023, Dr. Justice B. R. Sarangi and Justice K.R Mohapatra were the chairman of the committee till 7th September, 2023 and 9th October, 2023 respectively. Dr. Justice S. K. Panigrahi was a member of the committee from 15th February, 2023 to 7th September, 2023.

This Committee deals with promotion of the employees of the High Court other than the Group-D employees. Besides, it deals with recruitment of Assistant Section Officers (ASOs) in the High Court and all other recruitments except for which other Committees are constituted. It also deals with matters relating to Court Managers.

In 2023, the Committee took up promotion of various cadres and 273 employees were promoted to different cadres as indicated in Appendix-F. In comparison, 45 employees in 2018, 49 employees in 2019, 62 employees in 2020, 72 employees in 2021 and 108 employees in 2022.

The Committee initiated and completed the recruitment of Junior Stenographers in two phases. In the first phase 35 posts wereadvertised and 883 applications were received. Out of them, 633 candidates appeared for English Test and 199 candidates qualified. 188 candidates appeared for the Computer Application Test and 152 candidates qualified. 151 candidates appeared in the Skill Test in Stenography. Out of them 6 candidates finally qualified. Likewise, 36 posts were advertised in the second phase and 896 applications were received. Out of them, 709 candidates appeared for the English Test and 405 candidates qualified. 370 candidates appeared for the Computer Application Test and out of them 229 candidates qualified. 225 candidates appeared in the Skill Test in Stenography. Out of them 6 candidates finally qualified.

The Committee initiated and completed the recruitment of Assistant Section Officer. 199 posts for Assistant Section Officer were advertised and 32912 applications were received. Out of them, 25249 candidates appeared in the Preliminary Examination and 5460 candidates qualified. 4954 candidates appeared for the Main Written Examination and 1257 candidates qualified. 1208 candidates appeared in the Computer Application Test out of them 834 candidates qualified. 829 candidates appeared in the Interview and out of them 146 candidates finally qualified.

A Special Recruitment Drive was also taken up by the Committee for filling up 53 posts of Assistant Section Officer under ST category and recruitment to 34 posts of Junior Grade Typist/ Data Entry Operator in the Court’s Establishment. Both the recruitment processes are going on.

Recruitment to Various posts in the cadre of Group-D

During 2023, initiatives were taken for recruitment of 88 posts in cadre of Group-D. For the said purpose a Committee of Registrars was constituted. Further a Committee of Hon’ble Judges was also constituted to supervise the initiatives of the Committee of Registrars for the above recruitment.

14530 number of applications were received for 88 posts advertised in the cadre of Group-D. 7417 candidates appeared in the 1st stage of the examination out of which 1423 candidates qualified. 1331 candidates appeared in the 2nd stage of the examination and 766 candidates qualified in this stage. In the final stage of the recruitment, 753 candidates appeared and out of them 47 candidates finally selected and appointed.

The number of employees recruited during the year has been indicated at Appendix- G .

11. Examination Committee

Chairman
Dr. Justice B.R.Sarangi,
Members
Justice K. R. Mohapatra, Justice B. P.
Routray Justice R. K. Pattanaik,
Justice V. Narasingh

The Committee in question is responsible for overseeing the examination process for the recruitment of Officers in the cadre of District Judge. This recruitment is carried out through two methods: direct recruitment from the Bar and the Limited Competitive Examination.

Following a directive from the Supreme Court of India in the case of Malik Mazhar Sultan v. U.P. Public Service Commission (C.A.No.1867/2006), an Examination Cell was established and has been operational since August 17, 2021. The Cell operates under the supervision of the Registrar (Examination), a Senior Judicial Officer in the cadre of District Judge who has been temporarily assigned to the High Court. The Cell is staffed by one Superintendent, two ASOs, and one Class-IV staff.

The Examination Cell not only handles the recruitment of District Judges through direct and limited competitive examinations but also takes on other recruitment examinations as delegated by the Chief Justice.

For the 25 vacancies in 2022, filled through direct recruitment from the Bar, 429 applications were received. Out of these, 247 candidates participated in the written test held on January 15, 2023, and only 9 candidates qualified for the subsequent viva voce held on March 14, 2023. Ultimately, 3 candidates successfully passed the viva voce and were appointed.

Similarly, for the 11 vacancies in 2022, filled through the Limited Competitive Examination, 51 applications were received. 46 candidates appeared for the written test, and 13 candidates qualified for the viva voce held on March 13, 2023. Among the 13 candidates, only 3 successfully passed the viva voce and were appointed to the cadre of District Judge. Further , 23 vacancies to be filled through direct recruitment from the Bar and 12 vacancies to be filled through Limited Competitive Examination have been advertised in 2023 for which recruitment process is underway.

12. Disposal Review Committee

Chairman
Justice Arindam Sinha
Members
Justice S. K. Sahoo, Justice M.S.Sahoo,
Justice S.K. Mishra, Justice G. Satapathy

During, 2023, Justice B. Rath was a member of this Committee till 06th September, 2023 and Justice Chittaranjan Dash was a member of this Committee till 09th October, 2023. This committee has been constituted to come up with plausible case management and court management measures to tackle the issue of heavy pendency of cases in the District Courts. It also takes into account the relevant resolutions passed in this context by the Chief justice’s conference as well as the “Arrear Eradication Scheme” suggested in the report of the Malimath Committee. The suggestions of this Committee are conveyed to the Judges of the High Court as well as the District Courts.

While the High Court recorded a decrease of 12.49% disposal in 2023 in comparison to the previous year, the District Judiciary recorded a decrease of 17.26%. In 2023 the case clearance rate in High Court stood at 112.11% and that in the District Judiciary at 90.03%.

13. Committee for Family Court Matters

Chairman
Justice Savitri Ratho
Members
Justice A.K. Mohapatra, Justice V. Narasingh, Justice M.S. Raman, Justice A.C. Behera

This Committee was constituted in view of the directions issued by the Supreme Court of India, in a letter dated 9th June, 2016. The Registrar (Administration) is the Convenor of the Committee. A database of the cases pending in the Family Courts has been prepared under the supervision of this Committee.

This Committee oversees the various steps involved in the filling up of the vacancies in the posts of counselors in the Family Courts. An expert is associated in the interviews conducted of the short listed candidates by the Committee. The Select lists as recommended by the Committee are placed before the High Court for approval.

In 2023, no new appointment of Principal Counsellors and Counsellors were made. Till the end of year 2023, out of 30 posts of Principal Counsellors, 12 were working and 18 were lying vacant. Likewise out of 30 posts of Counsellors, 28 were working and 2 were lying vacant.

14. Mediation Monitoring Committee

Chairman
Justice Arindam Sinha
Members
Justice K. R. Mohapatra, Justice S. Ratho,
Justice M. S. Sahoo, Justice S.S. Mishra
Convenor
Coordinator, High Court Mediation Centre

Justice Arindam Sinha was the Chairman of this Committee till 14th February, 2023 and was again appointed Chairman on 10thOctober, 2023. Justice S.Talapatra, formerChief Justice was the Chairman till 07thSeptember 2023. Justice K.R.Mohapatraand Justice S.Ratho were members of this Committee till 08th September, 2023 and were again appointed as members on 10th October, 2023.Justice M.S.Raman and Justice Chittaranjan Dash were members of this Committee till 09th October, 2023.

This Committee oversees the functioning of the High Court of Orissa Mediation Centre which was inaugurated on 3rdJanuary, 2015 which has been catering to the needs of the litigating parties by bringing about settlement between them. As of date, 62 trained mediators have been empanelled.

A whole range of issues including family disputes, commercial matters, civil and criminal both in pending cases and at the prelitigation stage are referred to the Mediation Center.The services of Child Psychologist are also enlisted in select cases. Four wellequipped ICT-enabled mediation rooms have been made available for this purpose at a newly inaugurated state-of-the-art mediation Center.

At the beginning of 2023, 41 cases were pending at the Centre. In the year 2023, 161 mediation proceedings were registered. During 2023, 165 proceedings were disposed of and 37 proceedings were pending at the end of the year. Out of the disposed of proceedings, in 25 proceedings mediation was successful and in 140 proceedings it was unsuccessful.

At the beginning of 2023, 19 cases were pending at the Centre. In 2023, 138 prelitigation mediation proceedings were registered. During 2023, 136 were disposed of.At the end of the year, 21 such proceedings were pending. Out of the 136 disposed of cases, in 4 proceedings mediationwas successful and in 3 proceedings mediation was unsuccessful and in 129 proceedings mediation was non-starter.

 16. Juvenile Justice Committee

Chairman
Justice D.Dash
Members
Justice S. K. Sahoo, Justice S. Ratho Justice
A.K.Mohapatra, Justice M.S.Raman
Convenor
Secretary, Juvenile Justice Committee

This Committee was constituted in 2013 pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Chief Justices’ Conference. The mandate of this Committee is to review and monitor the functioning of all juvenile justice institutions which would include the Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) and the Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) constituted under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of the Children) Act, 2015. The Committee has been overseeing the efforts at reducing the pendency of cases before the JJBs and the CWCs. This Committee is convened by its Secretary who is a District Judge cadre judicial officer brought on deputation to the High Court.

The Committee periodically convenes the meetings of all stakeholders. As per decision of the Committee, a one day State level Consultation on “Children In Conflict with Law:

Prevention, Restorative justice and Diversion and Alternatives to Detention” was held on 26th August, 2023 in collaboration with Women and Child Development Department, Government of Odisha and the UNICEF under the aegis of the High Court of Orissa at the Odisha Judicial Academy, Cuttack.

17. RRDC and High Court Museum Committee

Chairman
Justice D. Dash
Members
Dr.Justice S.K.Panigrahi
Justice M.S.Sahoo, Justice B. P. Satapathy,
Justice S. S. Mishra

Justice Sashikanta Mishra was a member of this Committee till 07th September, 2023 and Justice S.K.Mishra was a member of this Committee till 09th October, 2023.

The Committee deals with matters relating to digitisation, preservation and destruction of records of disposed of cases of the High Court and the District Courts. It also oversees the functioning of the RRDC, the 4 District Court Digitization Centres (DCDCs), the 10 District Court Digitization Hubs, the Centre for Judicial Archives and the High Court Museum.

In 2023, the Committee undertook the recruitment for the post of History Consultant for the Centre for Judicial Archives. One candidate was selected for the said post. The Committee also took up the recruitment for two posts, one for Law Researcher (Law) and another for Law Researcher (History). The written examination for each of the posts was conducted and the candidate qualified in the written examination appeared in viva voce test. Subsequently, one candidate for the post of Law Researcher (Law) and one candidate for the post of Law Researcher (History) were finally selected.

18. State Court Management System(SCMS) Committee

Chairman
Dr. Justice S.K. Panigrahi
Members

Justice M. S. Sahoo, Justice Sashikanta Mishra Justice B. P. Satapathy, Registrar General, Registrar (Administration), Principal Secretary Law Department, Government of Odisha, District and Sessions Judge, Cuttack, Shri Soura Chandra Mohapatra, Sr. Advocate.

Justice B. Rath was the Chairman of theCommittee till 6th September, 2023. Subsequently, Justice Arindam Sinha was the Chairman of the Committee till 9th October, 2023. This Committee was constituted in terms of the resolution adopted in the Chief Justices’ Conference held in April, 2013. The mandate of this Committee is to oversee the implementation of the National Plan for enhancing the quality, responsiveness and timeliness (QRT) of Courts of Orissa on uniform basis and to provide inputs and suggestions to the National Court Management System (NCMS) Committee for the formulation and effective implementation of the national plan. This Committee is convened by its Member Secretary who is a judicial officer in the cadre of District Judge.

The monthly report regarding the disposal and pendency of 25 years old cases are being furnished by the District Judges every month and it is being monitored by the Administrative Judges of the respective judgeship on monthly basis. In the beginning of the year 2023, there were 4,669 cases pending more than 25 years, which has come down to 2,195 cases at the end of the year.

The Committee is also monitoring the disposal of 5/10 years old cases pending in the District Judiciary of the State in compliance to the Action Plan and suitable directions are being imparted thereto.

The Committee also monitors the annual uploading of ‘Average Time Taken for Disposal of Cases’ in the District Judiciary including the Family Courts, M.A.C. Tribunals, and all other designated Courts in the portal developed by the Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India.

In collaboration with the State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB), the High Court of Orissa has implemented the Warrant Management System (WMS) in the judgeships of Angul, Balasore, Khurda, Ganjam, Koraput, Rourkela in the judgeship of Sundargarh and Sambalpur in the year 2023 for online transmission of warrants to police and tracking the execution thereof.

On 24th August 2023 the Committee nominated Shri Soura Chandra Mohapatra, Senior Advocate, High Court of Orissa as a member of the Committee in pursuant to the direction of the NCMS Committee.

The Committee put forward its views/ suggestions to the National Court Management Systems (NCMS) Committee of Hon’ble the Supreme Court of India on the four Baseline Reports regarding Case Management in the High Court & the District Judiciary, Court Development Planning System (Infrastructure & Budgeting), Human Resource Development
Strategy in the District Judiciary and Updated Baseline Report on National Framework for Court Excellence.

The Committee has also put forward its views/ suggestions to the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India relating to the Karnataka High Court Guidelines on managing and reducing arrears in the District Judiciary.

In pursuance of the directions passed by Hon’ble the Supreme Court of India in Yashpal Jain Vrs. Sushila Devi &Ors., the Committee is monitoring –

i. The execution of summons as prescribed under Order V Rule (2) of CPC in the District Judiciary and

ii. The cases which are pending beyond 5 years old in the District Judiciary.

19. Judicial Calendar Committee

Chairman
Shri Justice S.K. Sahoo
Members
Miss Justice S. Ratho,
Justice V. Narasingh,
Justice G. Satapathy

The Committee was constituted by the Acting Chief Justice for the purpose of release of Judicial Calendar of Odisha, 2024. Under the supervision of the Committee, on 12th November, 2023 painting competitions were held among the school children of Class-VII to X across the State on the theme “Global Warming” by the District Courts under aegis of the High Court of Orissa. 1782 children participated in the competitions and 3 paintings were selected each district. The 90 paintings adjudged 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the districts were brought to Cuttack and out of them 12 paintings were selected by the Committee being assisted by Sculptor Shri Rabi Rath and Artist Shri Pranab Akhanda.

The 12 paintings were of Shriyans Panda of Cuttack, Sibasish Das of Kendrapada, Subha Ommkar Rath of Kalahandi, Samapika Nayak of Jajpur, Rudra Prasad Patra of Jagatsinghpur, Priyadarshini Muduli of Mayurbhanj, Basudev Gamango of Gajapati, Shovit Kushal of Sonepur, Satyajit Sahoo of Cuttack, Ashirbad Das of Angul, Yogeswar Deep of Nuapada and S. Satyam Achary of Koraput. Those paintings have found place in the Judicial Calendar of
Odisha, 2024.

In a function in Odisha Judicial Academy the calendar was released by Dr. Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, Acting Chief Justice in the presence of the Judges of High Court of Orissa. Eminent Academician & Writer and Padma Bhusan Awardee Dr. Pratibha Ray, Eminent Vocalist and Padma Shri Awardee Smt. Shyamamani Devi and acclaimed sculptor Shri Rabi Rath were the special guests. The 12 children artists were felicitated by the Acting Chief Justice, Judges and guests with certificates of appreciation, medals and prizes in presence of their parents.

20. Rules Committee under Section 123 C.P.C.

Chairman
Justice S.K. Panigrahi
Members
Justice Sashikanta Mishra Justice V.Narasingh, Shri Goutam Misra, Senior Advocate, Ms. Pami Rath, Senior Advocate, District and Sessions Judge

This Committee considers proposals to annul, alter or add to the Rules in the First Schedule of the CPC or to make new Rules. The Committee submits its recommendations in the form of a report to the High Court. Pursuant to the judgment dated 22nd April, 2021 of the Supreme Court of India in Rahul S Shah -vs- Jinendra Kumar Gandhi and batch of cases, Civil Appeal Nos. 1659-1660 of 2021, the Committee recommended significant amendments in the relevant provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 to facilitate expeditious execution of decrees in respect of immovable properties. Relevant information is at Appendix- E.

21. High Court Library Committee

Chairman
Justice S.K.Sahoo
Members
Justice M. S. Sahoo Justice V. Narasingh,
Justice S. S Mishra, Justice A.C.Behera

During 2023, Justice V. Narasingh was the Chairman of this Committee from 08th September, 2023 till 9th October, 2023 and is currently a member of the Committee.

While Justice K.R. Mohapatra and Justice M.S. Sahoo were members of the Committee till 08th September, 2023, Justice M.S. Raman and Justice S.K. Mishra were members of this Committee till 9th October, 2023

This Committee oversees the functioning of the Judges’ Library in the High Court. It may also deal with the stocking of the books in the libraries for the District Courts.

As per the recommendation of the Committee, SCC Online journal was supplied to every judicial officer in the state. On the recommendation of the committee, e libraries for the Bar were opened in 26 Outlying stations in addition to 30 District Court headquarters.

Online Journals of SCC Online Web Edition- Platinum, AIR Online Professional, Manupatra, EBC Reader Platinum Edition and OLT-CD were  provided to newly inaugurated Digital Reference Library in the eastern part of the Convention Hall of the High Court.

22. VWDC Committee

Chairman
Justice S.K.Sahoo
Members
JusticeR.K.Pattanaik, Justice V.Narasingh,
Justice S.K.Mishra, Justice G. Satapathy

On 10th October, 2023; the VWDC Committee of the Court is re-constituted and has been functioning as such since then, comprising of the Judges of the Court named above.

Prior to that, till 7th September, 2023; the VWDC Committee was consisting of Shri Justice S.K. Sahoo as the Chairman and Shri Justice B.P. Routray, Shri Justice R.K. Pattanaik and Shri Justice G. Satapathy as the members. Then from the period 8th September, 2023 to 9th October, 2023; Shri Justice R.K. Pattanaik was the Chairman and Shri Justice Sashikanta Mishra, Shri Justice G. Satapathy and Shri Justice Ananda Chandra Behera were the
members of the Committee.

The VWDC Committee has been constituted in terms of the directions imparted vide Judgement dated 11th January, 2022 of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in Misc. Application No. 1852 of 2019 in Criminal Appeal No. 1101 of 2019 in the case of Smruti Tukaram Badade vs. State of Maharashtra & Anr. in order to continuously supervise the implementation of the directions of Hon’ble the Supreme Court of India and to ensure establishment of the VWDCs and the matters connected thereto etc. Besides, the Committee monitors and assesses the performance of the thirty (30) VWDCs, currently functioning in the District Headquarters Stations of all the Judgeships of the State.

In the calendar year 2023, a total of 11,976 numbers of Vulnerable Witnesses have been examined in the thirty (30) VWDCs functioning in the District Courts of the State.

23. Annual Report Committee

Chairman
Justice K.R.Mohapatra
Members

Justice B.P. Routray, Justice Sashikanta Mishra Justice Chittaranjan Dash

This Committee monitors the work relating to the publication of the Annual Report. Two sub committees have been formed to assist the Committee, one for collection, collation and synchronization of data, having the Member Secretary, Odisha State Legal Services Authority, Registrar (Inspection), Registrar (Judicial), Special Officer (Special Cell) and the Additional Coordinator, Arbitration Centre as its members and the other for designing, editing and printing of the report, having the Director, Odisha Judicial Academy ,Coordinator, High Court of Orissa Arbitration Centre, Registrar (Records), the Central Project Coordinator and the Deputy Registrar (Records) as its members. The Annual Report of the High Court for the year 2023 is being published under the supervision of the Committee.

24. Purchase Committee

Chairman
Justice B.P. Routray
Members
Justice S. Ratho, Justice A. K. Mohapatra,
Justice M. S. Raman, Justice A.C. Behera

During 2023, Justice B.P. Satapathy and Justice Chittaranjan Dash were also members of the Committee till 14th February, 2023 and 09th October, 2023 respectively. Justice A. C. Behera became member of the Committee on 10th October, 2023.

This Committee deals with matters relating to purchase of articles for the Court’s Establishment in accordance with the prevailing Rules and Circulars of the Finance Department of the State Government. Besides, it also deals with matters relating to disposal of movable assets of the High Court. Apart from the routine purchases for the Court, the major activity of the Committee in 2023 has been procurement and installation of Sanitary Napkin Dispenser and Incinerator Machines in the female toilets of the High Court premises for ensuring hygiene of the female employees and lawyers pursuant to the order dated 8th May, 2023 passed by the Supreme Court of India in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 538 of 2023 (Rajeeb Kalita Vrs. Union of India & others). Besides, the Committee decided to continue distribution of good quality iron racks phased out from the High Court after modernization, among the District Courts. After distribution of racks as per the requirement of the District Courts, the remaining racks were sold by auction and the sale proceed of Rs.8,28,318/- was deposited in the appropriate head of account of the Government.

25. RCM Committee

Chairman
Dr. Justice S.K. Panigrahi
Members
Justice B.P. Satapathy, Justice M.S. Raman, Justice S. K. Mishra

The Committee deals with matters relating to reimbursement claims of medical expenses of sitting and former judges and employees of the High Court.

A total of Rs.1,35,85,000/- was reimbursed to the sitting and former judges and the employees against their reimbursement claims from 1st January, 2023 to 31st December, 2023.

26. Internal Complaints Committee

Presiding Officer
Miss Justice S.Ratho

Members
Saswata Patnaik, Advocate
Director, Odisha Judicial Academy
Ms. Sangyansubala Bhuyan, Joint Registrar (Judicial)

Convenor

Registrar (Vigilance)

This Committee has been constituted under Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. In the year 2023, no complaint was received. At present, no complaint is pending .

27. Committee to consider all promotional matters from Group-D cadre to the entry level Group-C Cadre

Members

Registrar (Vigilance), Registrar (Inspection)

This Committee deals with matters relating to promotion of Group-D employees to the entry-level Group-C posts i.e., Treasury Sarkar, Jamadar, Duftary, Attender, Cook- cum-Care taker and Mali-cum-Chowkidar. In the year 2023, the cases of 81 Group-D employees were considered and 56 employees got promoted to the aforesaid entry-level Group-C posts.

28. Committee to oversee the progress of cases under PC & PNDT Act

Chairman
Justice Arindam Sinha
Members
JusticeSashikanta Mishra, Justice B.P.
Satapathy, Justice G. Satapathy,
Justice S.S. Mishra

During the year 2023, Justice B.P. Routray was a member of the Committee till 07th September, 2023, Justice V. Narasingh was a member of the Committee til 09th October, 2023 and Justice A.C. Behera was a member of the Committee till 09th October, 2023.

At the beginning of the year, 2023, twenty two cases under the PC & PNDT Act were pending in the State. During the year 2023, eight cases have been disposed of and 14 cases are pending at the end of the year.

This Committee deals with matters relating to (a) Setting up of Commercial Courts, Commercial Division & Commercial Appellate Division and (b) Disposal of NDPS cases in the State of Odisha

29. Accessibility Committee

Chairman
Dr. Justice S. K. Panigrahi
Members
Hara Prasad Padhy, Registrar (Records),
Mrutunjaya Dash, Assistant Registrar-cum-
Establishment Officer,
Abhijit Kumar Mitra, Assistant Registrar
(Judicial),
Sujit Ranjan Sahoo, System Officer, Alekh
Kumar Mohanty, Superintendent,
Biswajit Mohapatra, Advocate

This committee has been formulated on 26th December, 2023. This committee serves as the nodal authority for taking pro active measures to ensure greater accessibility of judicial process/ infrastructure within the court and for pulling in place a system to ensure that every stakeholder in the justice delivery system who is affected by a disability is given a reasonable accommodation that they need. The committee ensures that the cause list of a court is not inaccessible to any person with disability.

30. AI Translation Commitee

Members
Dr. Justice S.K.Panigrahi, Justice Sashikanta Mishra

The Committee deals with matters concerning translation of reportable Supreme Court and High Court judgments/records through the AI tool called SUVAS (Supreme Court Vidhik Anuvaad Software) into vernacular language i.e. Odia. The Registrar (Inspection) works as the Secretary of the Committee.

The AI Assisted Legal Translation Advisory Committee of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India headed by Hon’ble Sri Justice Abhay S. Oka is monitoring the progress of the AI translation work. A dedicated Translation Cell having 14 translators are strenuously working for translation of the Supreme Court and High Court reportable judgments and records being validated by retired Judicial Officers in the cadre of District Judge. As of now 116 Supreme Court and 38 High Court judgments have already been translated into Odia and uploaded in the websites of the Supreme Court and High Court. Besides, the judgments are also being uploaded in the eSCR (eSupreme Court Records). All the sites are accessible to public.

The availability of judgments in Odia is a great step for popularizing the Supreme Court and High Court judgments in Odia language. It will not only increase the accessibility of the people to the “Justice Dispensation System”, but also will be a great step to the concept of justice at the doorstep.

Hand painted wooded multi-coloured “Vintage Bridal Box” displayed at Chief Justice’s chamber

Pattachitra depicting Nature and Wildlife in harmony displayed at Judges’ Lounge