Cuttack: The Orissa High Court on Thursday ordered the Crime Branch to conduct a probe into the question paper leak of the Main Written Examination for Junior Engineer (Civil) conducted by the Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC) on 16 July 2023. The High Court further ordered for supervision of the investigation by a senior police officer not below the rank of DIG of Police.
“Further, it is directed that considering the gravity of the issue the matter be investigated by CID-CB, under the supervision of a Senior Police Officer not below the rank of DIG of Police,” read the order.
The High Court held the prima facie view that the conspiracy was hatched somewhere else, however, the candidates, who are the Petitioners before this Court and are the victims of the aforesaid racket are most likely to suffer irreparable injury to their career. In the event, they are not allowed to appear in the Main Examination of Junior Engineer (Civil)-2022 which is going to be held on 03.09.2023.
In such view of the matter, the Court further directed the OSSC to allow the Petitioners to write the examination of the Main Written Examination of Junior Engineer (Civil)-2022 by issuing Admit Card to the Petitioner well in advance in making other suitable arrangements so that the petitioners will be able to appear in the examination.
The High Court further directed that although the Petitioners shall be permitted to appear in the said examination, however, their result shall be subject to the further orders to be passed by this Court in W.P.(C) No.28269 of 2023.
The High Court further made clear that the OSSC shall continue with the proceeding initiated against the candidates by issuing show-cause notice. However, no final order shall be passed by OSSC without leave of this Court.
