Orissa HC lawyers defy SC order; decide to continue cease-work stir

Cuttack: A day after Supreme Court urged the agitating lawyers of Orissa High Court to withdraw their stir, the members of the Bar Association today decided to continue their cease-work protest till Wednesday.

At a high-level meeting, Orissa High Court Bar Association secretary, Satyabrat Mohanty said that they have high respect for the apex court and a decision regarding the ongoing strike will be taken on October 3.

“The order to withdraw the strike was issued without hearing our views. We have respect for the Supreme Court order and we will discuss the matter with all members at the next governing body meeting,” said Mohanty.

It is pertinent to mention that the lawyers in Cuttack are on cease-work stir since August 30 protesting the alleged assault on an advocate by police personnel.

Lawyer Debi Prasanna Pattnaik was allegedly beaten up by police personnel in public view at Shastri Nagar in Nuabazar area on August 28.

The agitating lawyers have been demanding arrest of the accused police personnel involved in alleged assault.

Earlier today, the lawyers staged a demonstration and locked the main gate of the Orissa High Court in an attempt to prevent judges entering the court.

Taking cognizance of the ongoing cease work agitation, the Supreme Court had yesterday appealed the Orissa High Court Bar Association and other associated associations to withdraw their strike. The apex court had also directed Odisha DGP to transfer the investigation of the case to IG (Crime Branch).