Deployment Aimed at Absorption, Deputation Remains Temporary: Orissa High Court

The Orissa High Court clarified the distinction between “deputation” and “deployment” while allowing an intra-court appeal by a government employee.

The case arose when the employee, initially deployed under a government policy for technical work, was later ordered to be repatriated.

The Court held that deputation is typically temporary and does not create a right to absorption, whereas deployment under the policy was intended to lead to permanent absorption with a continuing lien.

It ruled that such deployment cannot be treated as deputation and quashed the repatriation order, directing continuation in the same post.

[Smruti Ranjan Mohapatra v. State of Orissa & Ors.]