The jail authorities here are facing it hard to manage a sudden rush of prisoners, thanks to a strike by the lawyer. The ongoing agitation pressing for setting up of a Bench of the State High Court in western Odisha has hit the legal services in the district, including the bail petitions being not processed.
The result is that the persons seeking bails are sent to jail straightaway, although otherwise especially in the bailable offences, they could be set free if their petitions were accepted and processed.
Now, the jail authorities have to bear its burnt as they are grappling with the problem of space to accommodate a big jump in the number of inmates. The strength of Sambalpur Jail is 541. But normally, 600 people stay in most part of the year in the jail due to the recent spurt in the crimes and criminals.
However, due to the current strike and cease work of the lawyers, the number has increased to as high as 700 making it difficult for the authorities here to manage the show, admitted Jailor Susanta Kumar Rout.
Moreover, due to closure of the all the Government offices since August 20 last, the common people are facing several inconveniences.
They are unable to get their works done in different Government offices. What has worried them more is that there seems to be no hope of any development in the present situation as the advocates have decided to accelerate the agitation further, with the Government yet to take a decision on the issue.
Despite crippling difficulties, the common people also feel the necessity of a High Court bench here and are extending their wholehearted support to the advocates in their cease work and agitation.
“If the State Government does not accede to a High Court bench in western Odisha, it might have to finally give a new High Court,” said youth activist Ajit Kumar Panda.