The long-standing border dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over Kotia in Koraput district has resurfaced, with Andhra Pradesh reportedly attempting to conduct panchayat elections in the disputed area. While the Odisha government has approached the Supreme Court over the issue, a lawyer and human rights activist from Jeypore has sought the intervention of the President of India.

Anup Kumar Patra, a lawyer and human rights activist from Jeypore, lodged a complaint with the President’s Secretariat via email on October 21, 2026, alleging administrative interference by Andhra Pradesh in Kotia Gram Panchayat.

The President’s Secretariat responded to the complaint on October 27, forwarding it to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for necessary action. The ministry has been directed to communicate the Action Taken Report (ATR) directly to the petitioner regarding the steps taken on his representation.

Dispute Involves 21 of Kotia’s 28 Villages

Kotia Gram Panchayat comprises 28 villages, of which 21 are at the centre of the long-standing territorial dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

In his representation, Patra alleged that administrative interference by Andhra Pradesh was creating problems for local tribal residents, particularly concerning their identity and access to government welfare benefits.

He has sought the Centre’s intervention to strengthen Odisha’s administrative presence in all 28 villages and protect the constitutional rights and interests of the tribal population living in the disputed border region.

The forwarding of the complaint to the Ministry of Home Affairs has brought renewed attention to the unresolved dispute and the administrative challenges faced by residents of Kotia.

Kotia Dispute and the Supreme Court

The territorial dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over Kotia has continued for decades.

In 1968, the Odisha government filed an original suit, Original Suit No. 10 of 1968, before the Supreme Court under Article 131 of the Constitution. The court issued an interim status quo order in the same year.

In 2006, the Supreme Court observed that the resolution of disputes concerning state boundaries falls within the constitutional framework involving Parliament.

The dispute intensified again in February 2021, when Andhra Pradesh issued a notification to conduct panchayat elections in three disputed villages—Phatuseneri, Phagupadu and Neredibalsa.

In response, the Odisha government filed a contempt petition before the Supreme Court, challenging Andhra Pradesh’s move in the disputed territory.

Residents Face an Identity Challenge

The dispute has also raised concerns about the geographical and administrative identity of people living in the border villages.

According to the complaint, some residents possess voter identity cards and ration cards issued by both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Although they may receive benefits from both states, the overlapping administrative claims have created uncertainty regarding their official identity and the administration responsible for the region.

The issue has particular significance for tribal communities whose access to public services, welfare schemes and constitutional protections may be affected by the continuing dispute.

What Has the Petitioner Demanded?

Anup Kumar Patra has sought the following measures:

• Strengthening Odisha’s administrative machinery across all 28 villages of Kotia Gram Panchayat.
• Protecting the constitutional rights and interests of tribal residents in the disputed border region.
• Coordinated administrative action by the Centre and the state government to address the continuing dispute.
• Appropriate intervention to address alleged administrative interference by Andhra Pradesh.

With the President’s Secretariat forwarding the complaint to the Ministry of Home Affairs, attention is now on the action the Centre may take in response to the petitioner’s demands.

The latest development has once again highlighted the need for a lasting resolution to the Kotia dispute and stronger administrative safeguards for residents of the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border region.

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