New Delhi, Feb 11 (UNI) The decades old border dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh (AP) over Kotia panchayat has once again reached the Supreme Court after Odisha alleged that the AP has taken over certain villages violating the top court's earlier order.

In 2006, the Apex Court had dismissed a suit filed by Odisha as non-maintainable under Article 131 of the Constitution.

The Court recorded in the order of March 30, 2006, an undertaking given by both the states in 1968 to maintain status quo.

The border dispute heated up recently after Andhra announced panchayat polls in three villages of Kotia panchayat in Koraput district of Odisha.

The dates fixed by AP for the elections are February 13 and 17.

The move was amid the announcement of the inauguration of Rs 150 crore projects by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in the disputed Kotia panchayat under Pottangi block of the Koraput district.

Both Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have been claiming rights over the Kotia panchayat which comprises 28 villages.

The fresh plea filed through Sibo Sankar Mishra states that the elections in the contested area will amount to contempt of court as it violates the status quo undertaking given to the Court.

UNI JW PS1916