RAMADEBI RAUTRAY Vs. STATE OF ODISHA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard. Leave granted.

(2.) The instant appeal by special leave arises from the common judgment and order dtd. 15/12/2025 passed by the High Court of Orissa at Cuttack [ Hereinafter, referred to as the "High Court".] in W.P. (C) No. 5565 of 2025 filed by the appellant, Ramadebi Rautray [ Hereinafter, referred to as the "appellant-election petitioner".], and W.P.(C) No. 5196 of 2025, filed by the respondent, Basanti Sahoo [Hereinafter, referred to as the "respondent-returned candidate".], whereby the High Court dismissed both the writ petitions and upheld the order of the Court of the learned 1st Additional District Judge, Puri[Hereinafter, referred to as the "Election Appellate Tribunal".], disqualifying the respondent-returned candidate from the post of Panchayat Samiti Member, Harirajpur Gram Panchayat as well as of Chairman of the Delang Panchayat Samiti and directing re- election for the said post.

(3.) Briefly stated, facts relevant and essential for the disposal of the appeal are as below.