Two Persons With Same Name Claim 'Padma Shri', Orissa High Court Orders Their Personal Appearance For Verification Of Portfolios

In a peculiar development, the Orissa High Court on Tuesday was riddled with a controversy revolving around two persons with the same name claiming their respective entitlement to the fourth-highest civilian honour of the country, i.e. Padma Shri.

A writ petition was filed by one Antaryami Mishra, a doctor by profession and an Odia litterateur. He informed the Court about his impressive portfolio, wherein he has 29 books in Odia as well as other languages to his credit. He claimed that for his significant contribution to the literature, he was selected to receive the 'Padma Shri' award in 2023.

However, he alleged that the private opposite party, who is his namesake (a person with the same name) impersonated him and fraudulently secured the prestigious civilian decoration. The petitioner further conveyed to the Court that the private opposite party is a journalist having no authorship to his credit, which makes his candidature unlikely for an honour of such a high order.

Upon hearing the above submissions of the petitioner, the Single Bench of Dr. Justice Sanjeeb Kumar Panigrahi issued notice to the Union of India as well as the namesake of the petitioner, who has received the award.

The Court was consternated by the fact that even after detailed verifications by the Government, such an unpleasant controversy involving a dignified bestowal cropped up seeking judicial intervention.

“This Court finds it rather surprising that, despite the State Government playing a key role in the verification process and various paraphernalia are followed before the Padma Shri Award is declared, yet such type of claim and counterclaim kind of situation arises just because the names are identical. It is a great recognition conferred on persons for their distinguished service in various fields,” it observed.

Considering the seriousness of the issue, Justice Panigrahi ordered both the parties to remain physically present before the Court on February 24, 2025 with all relevant supporting materials.

“It is further directed that both the Petitioner and Opposite Party No.2 shall produce all relevant publications and materials before this Court to substantiate their respective claims regarding the conferment of the Padma Shri Award,” it directed.

Case Title: Antaryami Mishra v. Union of India & Anr.

Case No: W.P.(C) No. 9971 of 2023

Date of Order: February 11, 2025

Counsel for the Petitioner: Mr. S.A. Swain, Advocate

Counsel for the Union of India: Mr. P.K. Parhi, DSGI along with Mr. D. Gochhayat, Central Govt. Counsel

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