Padma Shri Award dispute: Orissa HC imposes 10k cost on doctor and Odia litterateur

The Orissa High Court has imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on a petitioner who claimed to have been wrongfully impersonated as a Padma Shri awardee. Dr. SK Panigrahi, the judge presiding over the case, pointed out the lack of evidence presented by the petitioner to support his claims of winning the prestigious accolade.

Petitioner's Claims

The petitioner, a doctor and writer of Odia literature, asserted he was recognised as a Padma Shri awardee in 2023 due to his extensive contributions, having authored 29 books in various Indian languages. He alleged that a journalist, sharing his name, had fraudulently received the award intended for him.

Court's Decision

Despite multiple opportunities to substantiate his claims, the petitioner failed to provide any documentation. The Court criticises the petitioner for generating unnecessary controversy and for damaging the reputation of both the award and the journalist involved. 

Consequently, the Court ordered the petitioner to pay Rs 10,000 to the Orissa High Court Bar Association in Cuttack, specifying that the funds should be used to purchase books within ten days of the judgement.