New Delhi, Feb 12 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Friday asked Andhra Pradesh to file response on Odisha government's contempt petition alleging that the former had taken over certain villages of the eastern state in violation of the top court's earlier order.
The Apex Court bench headed by Justice AM Khanwilkar was hearing the plea filed by Odisha, which comes after the election announcement of Andhra Pradesh in three contested villages on February 13 and 17.
The petition contended that the polls in the contested area will amount to contempt of court as it violates the status quo undertaking given to the top court.
The bench asked counsel Mahfooz A Nazki, appearing on behalf of Andhra Pradesh, to respond the petition.
The Apex Court listed the matter for further hearing on February 19.
In 2006, the Apex Court had dismissed a suit filed by Odisha as non-maintainable under Article 131 of the Constitution.
However, the top 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 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.
UNI JW SB 1513