Expressing concern over lawyers’ strike seeking the establishment of permanent High Court (HC) bench in Western Odisha, the Supreme Court on Friday served notice to the Bar Council of India and the Bar Council of Odisha.
The bench expressed its anger after learning that court works have been affected badly due to lawyers’ protests in the state.
Taking a tough stand against it, the bench of justices also slapped notice on different district bar associations asking them to make their stand on the issue.
The Supreme Court’s order came in response to a petition filed by the Orissa High Court.
Supreme Court advocate Umakant Mishra said, “Hearing the petition filed by the Orissa High Court, the Apex Court realised the fact that court works have been hampered badly due to lawyers’ protest. That’s why it has asked the secretary of Odisha Bar Association and secretaries of District Bar Associations across the state to remain present during the next hearing of the plea on Monday and explain the issue. So, they have to be present on Monday to clear their stand.”
The demand for a permanent bench of Orissa High Court in western Odisha at Sambalpur has been mounting for a long time. The lawyers alleged that the Centre had sought a complete proposal for the establishment of a permanent bench, but the Odisha government is not taking any constructive step in this regard.