Demand For HC Bench In Western Odisha: Judge Stopped From Entering Court

Sambalpur: The agitating lawyers and advocates here on Thursday allegedly stopped the District and Sessions Judge, Malaya Dash midway at Court Chhak in the town while he was heading towards the Court complex this morning.

With the judiciary system already paralysed since September 5, the members of the Sambalpur District Bar Association intensified their agitation today over establishment of a permanent High Court bench in western Odisha.

Although the judge tried to pacify the lawyers and requested them to call of the strike, the agitating members of the bar association denied buzzing off and prevented him from entering the premises. As such Dash had to return.

“Both Centre and State government want to set up permanent HC bench in western Odisha. But the Orissa High Court is yet to give its consent, which is why the entire process is hanging in balance,” alleged one of the members of the association.

Another advocate said, “The Judge informed us that he has apprised the matter to the higher authorities. As the setting up of bench is dependent on the consent of the Orissa HC, the judge informed that they are doing whatever is possible on their part.”