In a recent judgment, the Orissa High Court addressed a peculiar case involving a disputed claim over the prestigious Padma Shri award. The petitioner, Dr. Antaryami Mishra, asserted that he was the rightful recipient of the award in 2023 for his contributions to Odia literature. He further alleged that another individual with the same name, a journalist, had wrongfully received the honor. The court, after examining the submissions and evidence, imposed a cost of ₹10,000 on the petitioner for initiating what it deemed a baseless controversy.
Background of the Case
Dr. Mishra, a medical professional and self-proclaimed Odia litterateur, claimed authorship of 29 books in Odia and other languages. He contended that his literary contributions had earned him the Padma Shri in 2023. However, he alleged that another individual, sharing his name and working as a journalist, had impersonated him to fraudulently secure the award. Dr. Mishra emphasized that the journalist had no known literary works, making his receipt of the award questionable.
Court Proceedings and Observations
Upon hearing the petition, Justice Sanjeeb Kumar Panigrahi expressed surprise that such a dispute arose despite the rigorous verification processes typically associated with the Padma Shri awards. The court noted that the petitioner had failed to provide any official documentation or evidence supporting his claim to the award. Despite being granted multiple opportunities to present such evidence, Dr. Mishra did not furnish any proof indicating his selection as a Padma Shri awardee.
The court observed that the petition seemed to be based solely on phone calls received by Dr. Mishra, suggesting he was the award recipient. Justice Panigrahi remarked that the petitioner had unnecessarily created a controversy, thereby demeaning the prestige of the Padma Shri and attempting to tarnish the reputation of the actual awardee.
Imposition of Cost
In light of the petitioner's failure to substantiate his claims and the unwarranted nature of the controversy, the court imposed a cost of ₹10,000 on Dr. Mishra. This decision serves as a deterrent against frivolous litigation and underscores the importance of maintaining the sanctity of national honors.
Conclusion
The Orissa High Court's ruling highlights the judiciary's commitment to preserving the integrity of national awards and preventing their misuse. By holding the petitioner accountable for his unfounded claims, the court reinforces the principle that legal avenues should not be exploited for personal grievances without substantial evidence.
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