Demand for HC bench: Koraput lawyers launch 2-day economic blockade

Koraput: Intensifying protests over their long-standing demand for establishment of a permanent bench of Orissa High Court, the district joint action committee today launched a 2-day economic blockade.

According to sources, central government and state government offices including banks, post-offices remained closed due to the blockade.  However, government offices engaged in election-related works remained open following requests by the district collector, added sources.

"We have sent intimation to all the government and central government offices regarding the economic blockade. Future course of action will be decided after a meeting tomorrow at Jeypore," said president of Koraput lawyers association, Sudarshan Gauda.

"Despite repeated requests to the central government, chief justice of Orissa High Court and state CM, no steps have been taken yet. Hence, we were forced to observe economic blockade and the decision was taken by the lawyers of the undivided Koraput district", he added.