Odisha CS, OPSC urged to undertake regular recruitment; HC raps govt over contractual hiring

The Orissa High Court has strongly criticised the practice of making contractual appointments in public institutions, observing that such hiring often bypasses prescribed recruitment rules and undermines transparency in the selection process.

Dismissing a writ petition filed by Shiwangi Mahato, the Court upheld the rejection of her claim for appointment as Assistant Professor (Anaesthesiology) at MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur. The bench noted that contractual engagements in the public sector do not follow regular recruitment procedures.

A division bench comprising Justice Dixit Krishna Shripad and Justice Chittaranjan Dash directed the High Court Registry to forward copies of the judgment to the Chief Secretary of Odisha and the Secretary of the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC), urging the authorities to take immediate steps to initiate regular recruitment in accordance with law.

The court supported an earlier order dated November 11, 2024, which had dismissed Mahato’s challenge to an advertisement issued on November 5, 2024, by the Principal of MKCG Medical College for filling up the post on a contractual basis.

Mahato had earlier been selected for the post under an advertisement issued on May 8, 2024. However, her appointment was stalled following an interim order passed on May 20, 2024, in response to a petition filed by Rakesh Kumar Ludam, who claimed that he was already serving in the Assistant Professor in the same department.

While rejecting Mahato’s plea, the High Court expressed serious concern over the continued reliance on contractual appointments without initiating regular recruitment through the competent authority. The bench observed that such practices violate established recruitment norms and weaken the credibility of public service appointments.

The court also took a strong view against the conduct of walk-in interviews, stating that they leave scope for misuse and erode public confidence in the fairness and integrity of the recruitment process.