Cuttack, August 27: The Orissa High Court has issued a show-cause notice to former Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania for willfully flouting the order passed by the Court directing the reinstatement of woman Sub-Inspector Sagarika Parida with consequential service and financial benefits.

Justice Sanjay Kumar Mishra, while hearing Contempt Case No. 362 of 2026 on August 24, held that Khurania's retirement does not absolve him of liability in the contempt proceedings.

The matter will be next heard on September 28.

“Hence, this Court is of the view that, even if the Opposite-Party has been superannuated in the meantime, still the contempt proceeding would lie against him, apart from the present incumbent and other officer(s), responsible for non-compliance of the Court’s order,” the Court said.

The Court directed the IG (Personnel) to serve the show cause notice on Khurania and report the compliance within seven days.

“Since Mr. Yogesh Bahadur Khurania has retired in the meantime, the I.G. of Police (Personnel), Odisha, Kataka is directed to serve the show cause notice on Mr. Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, Ex-D.G. of Police and report compliance at the earliest, preferably within 7 days hence. 13. Response to the Show Cause Notice be filed within 7 days from the date of receipt of the notice,” the Court said.

The Court also directed the present officiating DGP to implement its earlier reinstatement order within four weeks.

“Leaned State Counsel is directed to ensure compliance of order passed by this Court within four weeks hence, failing which the present D.G. of Police(I/c), who is equally responsible for compliance of order dated 25.09.2025 passed in W.P.(C) No.32287 of 2020, along with the I.G. (Personnel) Odisha Kataka, who is the author of letter dated 24th August, 2026, shall remain present before this Court on 28th September, 2026 at 10.30.A.M,” the Court directed.

For the context, Sagarika Parida was discharged from police service on November 12, 2020 by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Headquarters) under Police Manual Rule 673. The action was taken on the allegation that she had suppressed information regarding criminal cases against her while filling up her verification roll.

She challenged her discharge through W.P.(C) No. 32287 of 2020.

On September 25, 2025, Justice Mishra set aside the 2020 discharge order and directed the authorities to reinstate her with all consequential service and financial benefits.