The long-standing inter-state border dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh concerning the Kotia village cluster remains sub judice in the Supreme Court, with the state government actively pursuing all necessary legal avenues to resolve the issue.
Reviewing the matter during a recent high-level review meeting held in Sambalpur, Odisha Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari criticised the previous government for its lack of proactive measures. Addressing state-level officials and district collectors via video conferencing, Pujari asserted that the current administration is fully vigilant and committed to securing a definitive resolution through a robust legal fight.
A Decades-Old Dispute
The roots of the Kotia boundary conflict date back decades. Historical milestones of the legal battle include:
-
1955: The dispute first surfaced when Andhra Pradesh officials attempted to collect land revenue from the disputed villages.
-
November 14, 1968 (OS No. 10/1968): Backed by cabinet approval, the Odisha government filed an original suit in the Supreme Court under Article 131 of the Constitution.
-
December 2, 1968: The Supreme Court ordered both parties to maintain a “status quo” while the case remained pending.
-
March 30, 2006: The Supreme Court dismissed the original suit based on Article 131 provisions, while instructing both sides to maintain the status quo.
-
2006–2007: Odisha filed a review petition (No. 886/2006) and a curative petition (No. 129/2007), both of which were later dismissed.
Contempt Petitions and Recent Developments
Tensions escalated when Andhra Pradesh initiated administrative and election procedures in the Kotia region, prompting Odisha to file contempt of court proceedings.
-
February 10, 2021: Odisha filed a contempt application (No. 172/2021) against Andhra Pradesh.
-
April 7, 2021: An interlocutory application was filed after Andhra Pradesh issued notifications for Mandal Parishad and Zilla Parishad elections in Kotia.
-
March 16, 2022: The Supreme Court adjourned hearings pending a judgment, granting liberty to both parties to approach the court if circumstances changed.
-
March 2, 2023: Odisha filed Original Suit No. 02/2023 seeking a redetermination of the Kotia dispute.
-
May 31, 2025: Odisha submitted an amended interlocutory application and a fresh affidavit countering objections raised by Andhra Pradesh.
Minister Pujari emphasised that all active petitions concerning the Kotia border dispute are currently pending before the Supreme Court, reiterating that the state government is maintaining utmost legal preparedness to protect its territorial integrity.
