HC reserves verdict on pleas challenging single-bench orders

Cuttack: The Orissa high court on Monday reserved judgment on petitions challenging two orders of a single bench regarding the recruitment of 796 ASOs in Group B posts in Odisha Secretariat Service. While one order had quashed the merit list declared by Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) for recruitment of ASOs on May 19, the other had confirmed the order while rejecting a review petition on July 31.Kabita Jena and Satyabrata Nayak who were among those shortlisted in OPSC’s merit list notified on November 7, 2022, had filed two separate petitions.The two-judge bench of acting Chief Justice B R Sarangi and Justice M S Raman heard the submissions of all concerned parties including state government, OPSC and petitioners. Earlier, a two-judge bench had suspended the two orders of the single bench. “Both the judgments shall remain suspended till disposal of the writ appeal,” the interim order issued on August 9 read.The written examination was conducted by OPSC on August 27, 2022. While 1,48, 888 candidates had appeared in the OPSC exam on November 7, 2022, it notified a merit list selecting 1,104 candidates for document verification and skill test, which was approximately 1.5 times the 796 vacancies advertised.The May 19 judgment had come on a petition filed by Rajat Kumar Mishra and four others — who were not among the shortlisted candidates — challenging the introduction of cut-off marks for different subjects.In the judgment, Justice A K Mohapatra had directed OPSC to prepare a fresh merit on the basis of aggregate marks secured by the candidates and notify it within two months. Subsequently, two petitions were filed for review and recall of the May 19 order on the ground that it was passed without including the candidates, who were in the merit list, as parties in the case. But Justice A K Mohapatra rejected them on grounds of merit on July 31.

Judges' appointment case not listed despite judicial order

The hearing on the petitions regarding the Centre's delay in appointing high court judges and not clearing recommended names took a curious turn. The case was unexpectedly deleted from the list despite a judicial order. The bench expressed unawareness of the reason and suggested bringing it to the attention of the Chief Justice. The previous hearing criticized the Centre's selective approach in appointing and transferring judges. The Supreme Court deferred the next hearing to November 7, hoping for positive news regarding the clearance of recommended names.

WWE's Judgment Day teases shocking recruitment and title Swap: What is the potential?

Rumors swirl around a potential alliance between The Judgment Day and rising stars Austin Theory and Grayson Waller, which might lead to the relinquishing of the SmackDown Tag Team Championship held by Damian Priest and Finn Balor. The speculation suggests splitting the Tag Team Titles, potentially putting the prestigious belts up for grabs. Austin Theory, who has expressed interest in joining The Judgment Day, could see his aspirations realized as this unexpected alliance takes shape. Nothing has been officially confirmed by WWE. Austin Theory claims credit for the Undisputed Tag Team Champions' success, mentioning his actions against Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso.

TOI+ Market Watch: Why Paytm stocks had their biggest drop since listing

Paytm stock prices fell 20% after the company decided to give out fewer small loans due to stricter rules imposed by the Reserve Bank of India. Previously, banks had to maintain capital of Rs 9 for every Rs 100 loaned, but now they have to set aside Rs 11.25. Paytm expects a 40-50% drop in postpaid loans. Despite expanding high-value loans, analysts predict that the company's net income will turn positive only in 2025-26.