Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Department on Friday directed all district collectors to ensure strict compliance with High Court orders and follow due legal procedures while handling land lease-related cases.
The department has also instructed officials to maintain accurate records and ensure their safe preservation for timely submission during judicial proceedings.
In a letter addressed to all district collectors, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, stressed the need for proper documentation, transparency, and accountability in matters related to land leases.
The directive follows a recent High Court judgment in a land-related case, after which the department reiterated that all lease matters must be processed strictly in accordance with court directions, existing laws, and prescribed procedures.
The department cautioned officials against any negligence, delay, or lapses in record maintenance, stating that such shortcomings could affect public interest and create complications in legal proceedings.
Officials have been asked to ensure that all relevant documents related to land lease cases are properly maintained, securely preserved, and produced before the appropriate authorities whenever required. The department said the timely availability of records is crucial for effective representation of cases before judicial forums.
The Revenue Secretary said that ensuring lawful decisions, timely action, and transparency in land lease-related matters is the responsibility of all concerned officers. He directed field-level officials to exercise due caution and maintain accountability while handling such cases.
District collectors have also been advised to conduct regular inspections of records maintained at subordinate offices during their visits and ensure that important documents remain safe, updated, and easily accessible.
The Revenue Department reiterated its commitment to strengthening transparency and efficiency in revenue administration by improving record management and ensuring strict adherence to legal procedures in land-related matters.
