Orissa High Court Upholds Disqualification Under Two-Child Norm, Flags Overpopulation Concerns

The Orissa High Court dismissed a plea challenging the disqualification of a gram panchayat member for violating the statutory two-child norm.

The Court upheld the validity of population control measures and stressed the serious consequences of unchecked population growth in India. It observed that overpopulation places immense pressure on public resources and infrastructure, recalling the difficulties faced during the COVID-19 pandemic due to space and capacity constraints.

Referring to historical and philosophical warnings on population growth, the Court said constitutional institutions and civil society must act responsibly to address the issue.

The ruling reaffirmed that statutory conditions attached to elected posts must be strictly followed.