Sambalpur: Government offices in Sambalpur district that have remained closed for the past five months owing to the agitation by lawyers over establishment of a permanent High Court bench in the western Odisha, will start functioning from tomorrow. This was informed by the Sambalpur district lawyers' association today after their general council meeting.
However, the lawyers' association has decided to boycott courts and judicial work in the district.
"We were advised to reconsider our decision and therefore, the general council meeting of the lawyers' association was held today. As per the decision, only administrative work at government offices will be allowed whereas boycott of judicial work will continue. We will intensify our agitation in the coming days if the demands are not met," said Sureshwara Mishra, senior lawyer.
It is pertinent to mention that people of Sambalpur district have been facing difficult times as government offices and courts in the district have remained closed since September 5, 2018 due to the lawyers' agitation over demand for a permanent HC bench.
Keeping in view the problems faced by people and disruption of judicial services, the Home department had earlier urged the agitating lawyers and other members to withdraw their protest in the larger interests of the people.