HC summons 2 claimants of Padma Shri having same name
What's the story
The Orissa High Court is hearing a peculiar case of two people named Antaryami Mishra, both of whom claim to be the legitimate winners of the 2023 Padma Shri award.
The petitioner, a doctor and Odia litterateur with 29 books published in different Indian languages, claims his namesake, a journalist, fraudulently impersonated him to win the award.
The court has asked both to appear in person on February 24 to verify their claims.
Judicial astonishment
Court expresses surprise over Padma Shri claim dispute
Justice S.K. Panigrahi of the Orissa High Court was astonished at the development.
He said, "This court finds it rather surprising that...such type of claim and counterclaim kind of situation arises just because the names are identical."
The judge wondered how, despite the government's thorough verification before announcing Padma Shri awards, a dispute could arise over identical names.
The court has now asked both Mishras to produce all publications and materials in support of their claims.
Legal proceedings
Union government and concerned parties notified of case
The Union government has been apprised of this bizarre case through its counsel.
The defendant, who received the award from President Droupadi Murmu, said he would reply to the court notice on receiving it.
He added his name was recommended by many people from Odisha and outside, including former Andhra Pradesh governor.
However, the petitioner claimed he got a congratulatory call from the Ministry of Home Affairs and that he is the rightful claimant.