In a surprising development, the Orissa High Court has issued notices to two individuals named Antaryami Mishra, both asserting their claim to the prestigious Padma Shri award for 2023.
To resolve the dispute, the court has called both parties to present their cases in person on February 24.
Antaryami Mishra was officially recognized as a Padma Shri awardee in 2023, honored for significant contributions to literature and education.
The journalist Antaryami Mishra traveled to New Delhi to receive the award from President Droupadi Murmu following this recognition.
The situation escalated when Dr. Antaryami Mishra, a physician, approached the Orissa High Court, alleging that the journalist had falsely claimed to be him to secure the award.
In his writ petition, Dr. Mishra claimed authorship of 29 books in Odia and other Indian languages, which he argued justified his inclusion in the Padma Shri list. He further contended that the journalist lacks any literary works to his name.
During proceedings, Justice SK Panigrahi noted the unusual confusion, observing that despite the government’s strict verification process for such honors, an issue likely arose due to their identical names.
This incident has sparked discussions regarding the credibility and thoroughness of the Padma Shri selection process. The High Court has instructed both claimants to appear with their publications and evidence to support their claims at the upcoming hearing.
Notices have also been sent to the Central government and other parties involved in the award selection process.
Dr. Mishra recounted receiving a call from the government on January 25, 2023, informing him that he was awarded the Padma Shri. He stated, “They congratulated me and asked if I would accept the award. I was thrilled to receive such an honour.” He mentioned being told to watch the news later that day for the announcement of the award.
Shockingly, he discovered another Antaryami Mishra sitting alongside the Chief Minister of Odisha during the award ceremony. “We were stunned. What was happening?” he said, recalling the moment he realized a different individual was receiving the award.
In an attempt to clarify the situation, Dr. Mishra reached out to the deputy secretary of the home department, who initially informed him about the award. After receiving little assistance, he filed a Right to Information request. “I received calls from several officials expressing their congratulations, but when I didn’t receive the Padma Shri, I decided to file a writ petition,” he explained.
The other Antaryami Mishra, who ultimately received the Padma Shri, stated he had received official correspondence from the home department confirming the award.
“I don’t know the other Antaryami Mishra from Bhubaneswar who claims to be the original recipient. If he has concerns, he should approach the authorities. I am physically challenged and unable to travel. The matter is in court now. If he possesses legal evidence, he should present it,” the journalist stated.
