The Orissa High Court on Monday recalled its August 13 direction and asked the State Government, through a fresh order, to reinstate Jyoti Ranjan Pradhan as Collector of Jharsuguda district.
In its August 13 order, the High Court had directed the Government to place the Collector under suspension for violating its earlier order. Accordingly, the Government suspended Pradhan on August 14 and gave additional charge of district Collector to the ADM.
However, allowing an application of the Government, the same Bench headed by Chief Justice KS Jhaveri recalled its August 13 order and, after reconsideration, gave a fresh order asking the Government to reinstate the suspended officer.
Notably, Pradhan had earned the ire of the court for violating a direction given five months ago.
The court had on March 19 directed the Government not to take any coercive action against a local prospective liquor shop owner, who had obtained a licence to trade in liquor. However on April 25, Pradhan cancelled the licence of the liquor shop owner.
