TV
The long-standing demand for the establishment of a permanent High Court bench in Western Odisha has once again gathered momentum, following the Maharashtra government’s decision to set up a High Court bench in Kolhapur.
This move has reignited calls across various districts of Western Odisha, with citizens, legal professionals, and regional organizations urging the state and the central government to act swiftly on the matter.
On Sunday, the ‘Koshal Rajya Samanwaya Samiti’, a regional coordination body advocating for the rights and development of Western Odisha, held a press meet demanding immediate steps for the establishment of Orissa High Court bench in the region.
They cited the Kolhapur decision as a precedent and argued that Western Odisha, which comprises several districts spread over hundreds of kilometers from the state capital, deserves similar judicial infrastructure for equitable access to justice.
During the press conference, members of the committee strongly criticized both the Odisha and the Union governments for the prolonged neglect of the issue. They stated that despite repeated representations, resolutions, and protests over the years, concrete steps are yet to be taken.
It may be recalled that two years ago, the Orissa High Court Bench agitation had reached a peak in Sambalpur, with widespread participation from lawyers and civil society members. The situation escalated to such an extent that several lawyers were arrested by police during the protests. The crackdown drew criticism from various quarters, including legal fraternities across the country.
However, after the arrests and state action, the movement gradually lost its momentum and went silent.
Now, with fresh developments in Maharashtra, activists believe the time is ripe to revive the bench movement in Western Odisha. They argue that residents of districts like Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bolangir, Bargarh, Kalahandi, and others are forced to travel to Cuttack for legal matters, often resulting in financial and logistical hardships.
A permanent bench, they say, will ensure faster, cheaper, and more accessible justice for millions of citizens.
