SEO Title (under 60 characters): GDS Strike Cases: DoP to Implement CAT Cuttack Order
(under 160 characters): India Post directs Odisha Circle to implement CAT Cuttack order in GDS strike cases, withdraw 5 writ petitions and drop appeals in all 59 cases.
URL Slug: /gds-strike-cases-cat-cuttack-order-implementation-odisha
Focus Keyword: India Post Circulars | Secondary Keywords: India Post Latest News, GDS News, GDS to MTS Odisha Circle, India Post Notifications
Quick Summary
Good news for Gramin Dak Sevaks in Odisha Circle. The Department of Posts has decided to implement the CAT Cuttack Bench order in the GDS strike cases, instead of fighting it further in court.
The letter is No. 19-09/2026-GDS, dated 28.09.2026, issued by the GDS Section, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi to the Chief Postmaster General, Odisha Circle, Bhubaneswar.
In simple words: The department has accepted the tribunal’s decision and is ending all further litigation in these strike-related cases.
Background: What Is This Case About?
- Some GDS employees in Odisha went to the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Cuttack Bench over matters related to GDS strike cases.
- The lead case is OA No. 295/2024, filed by Sri Karunakar Behera and others, along with 24 other similar OAs.
- The CAT passed its final order on 13.02.2026.
- The department had earlier filed 5 Writ Petitions in the High Court against the order.
- The applicants then filed contempt petitions (CP Nos. 64/2026 and 81/2026) for non-compliance.
- Odisha Circle wrote to the Directorate vide letter No. LC/69-120/2024 dated 28.08.2026, and this new letter is the reply.
Note: The letter does not describe the exact relief granted by CAT. GDS employees should check the CAT order or contact their division for details.
What Has the Directorate Ordered?
The GDS Section has given four clear directions to Odisha Circle:
- Comply with the CAT order dated 13.02.2026 in OA No. 295/2024 and the 24 similar OAs
- Withdraw the 5 Writ Petitions already filed before the High Court
- Drop further appeals in all 59 identical strike-related cases
- Close the contempt proceedings in CP Nos. 64/2026 and 81/2026
The Circle has been told to take action in consultation with the Government Counsel. The letter is issued with the approval of the competent authority and signed by Gurvinder Singh, Assistant Director General (GDS).
Key Numbers at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Letter No. | 19-09/2026-GDS |
| Date | 28.09.2026 |
| CAT Bench | Cuttack |
| CAT Order Date | 13.02.2026 |
| Lead Case | OA No. 295/2024 + 24 similar OAs |
| Writ Petitions to be withdrawn | 5 |
| Total identical cases where appeals are dropped | 59 |
| Contempt Petitions to be closed | CP 64/2026 and CP 81/2026 |
What Does This Mean for GDS Employees?
- Relief is coming: Since appeals are being dropped, the benefit of the CAT order should now be given to the applicants.
- All 59 cases covered: The decision is not limited to one person. It covers all identical strike-related cases.
- No more waiting: Court battles often take years. Withdrawing writ petitions means faster implementation.
- A useful precedent: GDS in other circles with similar strike-related matters may find this decision helpful to refer to.
What should affected GDS do now?
- Keep copies of your OA and the CAT order ready
- Stay in touch with your Divisional Office for implementation updates
- Follow up politely if action is delayed
Why This Matters for GDS Exam Aspirants
Many GDS employees are also preparing for the GDS to MTS, GDS to Postman and GDS to Mail Guard Departmental Exams. Service records, strike periods and pending cases can sometimes affect service details, so it is good to see such matters getting settled.
Preparation tip: While your service matters get sorted, keep your preparation going with the latest GDS to MTS Syllabus, Previous Year Question Papers and regular Mock Tests. Good India Post Study Material and GDS to MTS Online Classes can help you stay on track.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Which circle is this order for?
Odisha Circle, Bhubaneswar.
Q2. Which CAT order is being implemented?
The final order dated 13.02.2026 of CAT Cuttack Bench in OA No. 295/2024 and 24 similar OAs, filed by Sri Karunakar Behera and others.
Q3. How many cases are covered?
Appeals are being dropped in all 59 identical strike-related cases.
Q4. What happens to the High Court cases?
The 5 Writ Petitions filed by the department will be withdrawn.
Q5. What about the contempt petitions?
The department will comply with the order so that CP Nos. 64/2026 and 81/2026 can be closed.
Final Words
This is a positive step by India Post. Instead of long court battles, the department has chosen to follow the tribunal’s order and give relief to GDS employees in Odisha. Keep following India Post Circulars and India Post Latest News for implementation updates.