Well-known jurist and former law Secretary Debabrata Das assumed the office of the District Judge here on Wednesday. Prior to this appointment, he was the District Judge at Bhubaneswar.
After superannuation of former District Judge of Brahmapur Chakradhar Kar in February, the post was lying vacant. The Ganjam Bar Association had requested the Odisha High Court to expedite posting of a substitute. The Ganjam Bar Association at a special meeting held on Wednesday accorded a rousing welcome to new District Judge Das.
Das in his address described the judiciary as a chariot of four ropes -- lawyers, judicial officers, court staff and litigants. There should be an effective coordination and balance between the four for smooth movement of the chariot, he observed. Justice should be available right at the doorsteps of victims as the judiciary thrives because of the litigants, he said.
Since he had a long-cherished desire to serve as the District Judge of this heritage court at Brahmapur, he is quite happy that his dreams ultimately became a reality, he said.
Senior member of Ganjam Bar Gopal Satapathy described Das as a person of positive mind, who always supports the cause of advocates. Former Bar president Sudhansu Panda described Das as a most dynamic judicial officer who can set right the judicial system in the district including filling up of all vacant judicial posts.
The speakers sought the cooperation of Das for establishment of a Bench of the Odisha High Court at Brahmapur to fulfil the long- cherished needs and aspirations of the people of south Odisha.
Ganjam Bar Association president Kapileswar Pattnaik presided over the meeting. Association secretary Sitanshu Sekhar Panda offered a vote of thanks. Advocate Subash Babu gave the welcome address.