Know Why SC Refused To Quash Odisha’s Contempt Plea Against Andhra In Kotia Row

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed Andhra Pradesh’s plea for quashing the petition filed by Odisha, seeking initiation of contempt of court proceedings against the neighbouring state for violation of status quo in the disputed Kotia region of Koraput district.

The Andhra government contended that the contempt of court proceedings against it should be disposed of since the states are heading towards a political solution.

“The apex court said the contempt of court proceedings will remain pending. If no amicable solution is reached between both the states, it will proceed to see whether they (AP) committed the contempt or not,” informed advocate Niranjan Sahoo, who is representing the Odisha government.

The court also fixed January first week for the next hearing on the case.

Notably, the two states had decided to set up an institutional mechanism for cooperation to deliberate on outstanding issues and find out a solution that is in the best interests of the people of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh after the November 9 meeting between Naveen Patnaik and Jagan Mohan Reddy.