Orissa HC issues stay order on govt rules for Odisha Sahitya Akademi awards

The Orissa High Court has issued an interim stay order on the state government’s notification over framing new rules for Odisha Sahitya Akademi Awards. 

The state’s apex court has also asked the state government, secretary and president of Odisha Sahitya Akademi (OSA) to file their replies in this connection.

Acting on a petition filed by OSA Sub-committee chairman Dr Nrusingha Charan Sarangi, the HC has issued the order. 

Advocate Ramakanta Sarangi argued on behalf of OSA Sub-committee. 

“Challenging the rules for the awards of OSA, which were formulated by the state government, a petition was filed. While hearing the petition, the court in its judgement has said ‘the rules shall not be implemented’. The government has been asked to file its reply within four months,” said advocate Sarangi. 

Notably, a sub-committee was formed to formulate new rules for OSA awards after the state government increased the award money. 

Dr Nrusingha Charan Sarangi, who is a member of the OSA, was appointed as the Chairman of the sub-committee. 

Within the given time, the sub-committee not only drafted the laws but also sent it to the Culture department for approval. 

But, instead of approving the rules, the government formulated new rules and issued a notification, informing this. 

OSA is a self-governed body and it has its own constitution. While all the rules of OSA are formulated as per the constitution, the power to implement the rules also lies with OSA.