Bhubaneswar: The Orissa High Court has initiated contempt proceedings against former Odisha DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania for prima facie willful and deliberate disobedience of its order directing the reinstatement of woman Sub-Inspector Sagarika Parida.

Parida had been dismissed from service for allegedly suppressing information about her criminal antecedents. She subsequently approached the High Court, which on September 25, 2025, directed her reinstatement.

While hearing a contempt petition filed by Parida, Justice Sanjay Kumar Mishra rejected the State government's plea seeking to drop the proceedings against Khurania on the grounds that he had retired from service on August 16, 2026.

The court held that contempt proceedings could continue against Khurania despite his superannuation. It also observed that the present incumbent and other officials responsible for non-compliance with the court's order could be proceeded against.

Court flags alleged non-compliance

The High Court noted that undertakings had been given by the State counsel from time to time on behalf of the alleged contemnor. It also observed that affidavits filed in the matter appeared to be misleading.

Prima facie, the court found that the matter involved wilful disobedience of its order and warranted action under Sections 11 and 12 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.

Accordingly, the court directed its office to issue a notice to Khurania through the IG of Police (Personnel), Odisha, Cuttack, asking him to show cause why he should not be tried and punished under Section 12 of the Act for deliberate disobedience of the High Court's September 25, 2025 order.

Since Khurania has retired, the IG (Personnel) was directed to serve the notice on the former DGP and submit a compliance report at the earliest, preferably within seven days.

The court further directed that a copy of the order be urgently communicated to the present DGP (in-charge), holding him equally responsible for ensuring compliance with the court's directions.

Justice Mishra posted the matter for further hearing on September 28.

Vinaytosh Mishra takes additional charge

Notably, CID-CB DG Vinaytosh Mishra took additional charge as interim DGP on August 16 following Khurania's retirement.

Mishra, a 1993-batch IPS officer, was not in contention for appointment as the next DGP as he did not meet the criterion of having at least six months of residual service before retirement at the time of empanelment.

He is scheduled to retire on November 30, 2026.