Orissa HC Upholds Disqualification of Puri Sarpanch Over Odia Literacy

The Orissa High Court has upheld the disqualification of the sarpanch of Suhagpur gram panchayat under Kakatpur block in Odisha’s Puri district for failing to meet the mandatory requirement of reading and writing Odia.

Refusing to interfere with the concurrent findings of the lower courts, the High Court ruled that the sarpanch was ineligible to hold the post under the provisions of the Odisha Gram Panchayat Act. With this verdict, the sarpanch has officially lost his position.

As per the Odisha Gram Panchayat Act, a person who cannot read and write Odia is disqualified from contesting or holding the post of sarpanch. The court observed that a sarpanch, being the head of a village panchayat, is entrusted with significant administrative responsibilities, making basic knowledge of Odia essential for effective governance.

The case pertains to Sheikh Abutahar, who was elected as the sarpanch of Suhagpur gram panchayat in 2022. His election was challenged by Shantilata Mishra before the Nimapada Civil Judge Court (Junior Division), which alleged that he was unable to read and write Odia.

After examining documentary evidence and witness testimonies, the civil court on March 7, 2025, declared Abutahar’s election invalid. The ruling was subsequently challenged before the Additional District Judge, Nimapada, who on July 16, 2025, upheld the civil court’s decision.

Following the rejection of his appeal, Abutahar approached the Orissa High Court. A bench headed by Justice RK Pattanaik dismissed the petition, affirming the findings of the lower courts and reiterating that compliance with statutory eligibility criteria is mandatory for holding elected positions in gram panchayats.