The Orissa High Court has reaffirmed that candidates seeking election to the post of sarpanch must possess the ability to both read and write in Odia, upholding the disqualification of Maheshwar Jena from Bishnupur gram panchayat. This verdict paves the way for fresh elections in the constituency.

According to reports from The Times of India , the Court emphasized that functional literacy in the State’s official language is a mandatory legal requirement that cannot be overlooked.

Court Clarifies Literacy Standards for Sarpanch Candidates

The High Court bench clarified that mere reading proficiency in Odia is insufficient. Candidates must also demonstrate writing ability to fulfill the responsibilities outlined under Section 19 of the Odisha Grama Panchayats Act, 1964. The bench noted

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