In view of a call by the Central Action Committee (CAC) of the lawyers of western Odisha for a six-day cease-work stir from Monday till February 24 demanding a High Court Bench in the region, Government offices and banks remained closed on Monday.
Senior advocates squatted at Nelson Mandela Chowk here to restrict entry of the judges to the courts. Besides, lawyers’ groups picketed in front of banks and the offices of the Collector and RDC to ensure total closure of all these offices. Earlier, RDC DV Swami had called a meeting with the CAC to discuss the matter since the issue of HC Bench is under consideration of the Government. But the CAC members didn’t turn up saying all past discussions have failed. The CAC has exempted educational institutions, hospitals and road and train communications from the purview of their strike in public interest.
“Our intention is total cease-work in Government offices and financial blockade through closure of banks,” said Pradeep Bahidar, a senior leader of the CAC.The situation was also almost similar in other districts of western Odisha. But in an exception, the Bar Associations of Balangir and Kalahandi stayed away from the call of the CAC but agitated in their own ways.