Quasi-judicial system facing stagnation in Odisha!

Odisha is experiencing a kind of stagnation in its quasi-judicial system. For a considerable period, positions such as chairperson and members in bodies like Lokayukta, OERC, election commission, commission for women, and information commission have remained vacant.

This has resulted in the general public facing delays in accessing justice. The Minister of Law has stated that the State government is taking steps to fill these positions promptly.

Also Read: Odisha govt to constitute Law Revision Commission soon

While the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) Chairperson post is filled, four other significant chairperson positions remain vacant. Since August, after the expiry of Lokayukta chairperson’s term, the successor’s name recommended by the previous government's search committee is yet to be approved.

Similarly, Aditya Padhi, the State Election Commission's term expired in August, and no permanent appointment has been made, resulting in him working in an interim capacity. Following the government's recent removal of Minati Behera, the Odisha State Commission for Women (OSCW) chair also stands vacant.

After senior bureaucrat Suresh Mohapatra became an advisor to the former chief minister, positions in the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) also remain unfilled.

The Lokayukta system was established to curb corruption in the State. It was intended to include a chairperson and five members. 
However, since its inception, the system has never functioned with its full plenum of members. Following the tenure completion of Lokayukta Chairman Dr. Rajendra Prasad Sharma this past August, the position has remained vacant. As a result, the organisation's activities have come to a halt.

State Information Commission-Odisha requires a Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and five permanent members. However, following the recent completion of the tenure of the State's Chief Information Commissioner in the first week of this month, an advertisement has been issued for a new CIC. No notice has been released for three vacant member positions.

Must Read: Ex-Odisha Women Commission chairperson served show-cause notice on sub-par performance

In these institutions, despite high-salary officers and employees seemingly idling away their time, citizens hoping for justice are left disheartened when they travel from far and wide.

“Discussions are underway regarding appointments across all commissions. Officials were being selected during the previous government, who were giving protection to the government. At least the same thing would not happen during our government,” Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said mediapersons.