Odisha Files Contempt Petition Against Andhra Pradesh Over Kotia

The Government of Odisha filed a contempt of court petition against the Government of Andhra Pradesh in the Supreme Court of India. The legal action follows an October 10 notification by Andhra Pradesh to conduct Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections in the disputed Kotia region of the Koraput district.

Odisha argues that these elections violate a 2006 Supreme Court order requiring both states to maintain the status quo in the area. While Odisha maintains that all 28 villages in the Kotia Gram Panchayat are within its territory, Andhra Pradesh claims rights over 21 of them. The contempt proceedings target the Andhra Pradesh government, its State Election Commissioner, Chief Secretary, and relevant district officials.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced the filing, noting that the action received approval from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. This dispute mirrors a similar conflict from 2021 that resulted in a previous contempt petition in 2022.