Odisha escalates Kotia border dispute, returns to Supreme Court

Odisha has approached the Supreme Court to counter Andhra Pradesh's assertions over the Kotia area, reigniting a long-standing territorial dispute between the two neighbouring states. While all 28 villages under the Kotia Gram Panchayat remain within Odisha's administrative boundaries, Andhra Pradesh has been staking claim to 21 of these settlements, creating a contentious border issue.

The boundary row has deep roots, with Odisha first challenging Andhra Pradesh's territorial claims in the Supreme Court in 1968. The legal tussle remained unresolved for decades until 2006, when the apex court intervened and directed both states to maintain the existing status quo in the disputed area, effectively freezing the territorial positions of both parties.

The fresh move by Odisha underscores the persistent nature of the inter-state dispute and the state's determination to protect its territorial integrity. The matter highlights the complex legacy of colonial-era boundary demarcations that continue to fuel disputes between states in India, with several such cases pending in various forums.

Andhra Pradesh's continued assertions over the Kotia villages, despite the Supreme Court's 2006 directive, have prompted Odisha to seek fresh legal intervention. The outcome of this renewed legal challenge could have significant implications for both states and set precedent for resolving similar boundary disputes across the country.