Safiya Malik

The Orissa High Court has directed two individuals claiming the 2023 Padma Shri Award to appear in person and present documentary evidence supporting their claims. The petitioner, Dr. Antaryami Mishra, has alleged that another individual bearing the same name falsely secured the award by impersonation. The court has scheduled a hearing for February 24, 2025, at 2 P.M.

The case, registered as W.P.(C) No. 9971 of 2023, was filed by Dr. Antaryami Mishra, a doctor and Odia litterateur. He has claimed authorship of 29 books in Odia and other Indian languages and has stated that his contributions to literature led to his name being included in the official Padma Shri Awardee list for 2023. However, he has alleged that another individual, also named Antaryami Mishra, a journalist, fraudulently secured the award.

The petition states: “The Petitioner has filed this Writ Petition seeking a direction from this Court to the Opposite Party No.1 for clarification regarding the candidature for the ‘Padma Shri Award’ which is in dispute between the Petitioner and the Opposite Party No.2, who bears the same name i.e. Antaryami Mishra (Padma Shri Awardee). Hence, both claim for the Padma Shri Award which was declared in the year 2023.”

The petitioner has contended that the second individual had no literary background or authorship credentials and had managed to receive the award by impersonation. The petition further states: “Conversely, the Opposite Party No.2, is a journalist by profession but having the same name with zero authorship. However, it is alleged that he fraudulently secured the Padma Shri Award by impersonating the Petitioner. Consequently, the Petitioner finds himself compelled to seek the intervention of this Court.”

The court decided to issue notices to the parties involved. The order states: “In such view of the matter, let notice be issued to the Opposite Parties.”

The court directed that Opposite Party No.1, the Union of India, would be represented by its legal counsel, while Opposite Party No.2 was to be served notice via Registered Post with A.D./Speed Post and with Dasti service. “Learned counsel for the Union of India waives off notice on behalf of the Opposite Party No.1. One copy of the brief be served on him to take instructions in the matter.”

“Further, let notice be issued to the Opposite Party No.2 by Registered Post with A.D./Speed Post and with Dasti service. Requisites shall be filed within three working days from today.”

The court noted the verification process for the Padma Shri Award and the emergence of such a dispute despite procedural safeguards. The order states: “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.”

The court decided to summon both the petitioner and Opposite Party No.2 for a physical hearing. The order states: “Considering the seriousness of the dispute, this Court deems it appropriate to direct the physical presence of both the Petitioner and Opposite Party No.2 before this Court on 24th February, 2025, at 2 P.M.”

Additionally, the court instructed both individuals to present all necessary documents and publications to support their respective claims regarding the award. It stated: “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.”

The Union of India, represented by DSGI Mr. P.K. Parhi and CGC Mr. D. Gochhayat, has been made a party to the case. The legal representatives have been instructed to take necessary instructions regarding the verification of the award. The order states: “Learned counsel for the Union of India waives off notice on behalf of the Opposite Party No.1. One copy of the brief be served on him to take instructions in the matter.”

The matter has been scheduled for February 24, 2025, at 2 P.M., and both parties are required to comply with the court’s instructions.

Case Title: Antaryami Mishra v. Union of India & Anr.
Case Number: W.P.(C) No. 9971 of 2023
Bench: Justice Dr. Sanjeeb Kumar Panigrahi

[Read/Download order]