States » EastPosted at: Oct 28 2026 8:42PM


Orissa High Court quashes no-confidence proceedings against Tikhiri sarpanch Chameli Ojha

Kendrapada, Oct 28 (UNI) In a significant relief to Tikhiri sarpanch Chameli Ojha, the Orissa High Court on Wednesday invalidated the no-confidence proceedings initiated against her, ruling that mandatory statutory procedures had not been followed.
Justice Sanjay Kumar Mishra delivered the verdict while hearing a petition filed by Ojha challenging the no-confidence motion brought by ward members of Tikhiri Gram Panchayat under Mahakalapada block in Kendrapada district.
Of the 22 ward members in the gram panchayat, 21 had reportedly supported the motion. The process was initiated on July 27, with August 13 scheduled as the date for voting.
Challenging the legality of the proceedings, Ojha argued that the prescribed procedure under Section 24(2)(c) of the Odisha Grama Panchayats Act, 1964, had been violated. The provision mandates at least 15 clear days' notice for convening a special meeting, along with copies of the requisition and the proposed resolution.
Counsel appearing for Ojha submitted that these mandatory requirements had not been fulfilled. According to the petitioner's arguments, copies of the requisition and the proposed resolution were not provided to her. Instead, a notice was reportedly delivered to her father, while another was sent by post.
Her counsel contended that the failure to furnish the requisite documents undermined the validity of the entire process and rendered the no-confidence proceedings legally unsustainable.
After hearing the arguments, the High Court reserved its judgment before delivering the verdict on Wednesday, ruling in Ojha's favour and invalidating the proceedings.
The ruling has sparked fresh political discussion in the region. Some sections of the public have viewed the verdict as a setback for Mahakalapada BJP MLA Durga Prasad Nayak, whom they have alleged was behind the move to remove Ojha. However, the allegation remains a political claim.
The controversy surrounding the sarpanch dates back to June 11, when an altercation reportedly took place in the chamber of the Mahakalapada block development officer (BDO) over issues concerning panchayat development. Ojha was subsequently arrested and hospitalised, alleging that she had been assaulted by the police.
Earlier, on August 11, the High Court had permitted the no-confidence voting and counting to proceed on August 13. However, it directed that the result be kept in a sealed cover and not declared until further orders.
Wednesday's verdict has now invalidated the no-confidence proceedings, bringing a significant legal development to the ongoing dispute over Ojha's position as Tikhiri sarpanch.
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