Facing the October-end deadline set by the State Govt, the much-awaited deposition of witnesses before the Justice CR Pal Commission of Inquiry began on Friday. Justice Pal is probing into demand of several regions to have circuit Benches or permanent Benches of the Odisha HC in their respective regions.
Representatives of bars of Koraput and Kalahandi courts deposed before the commission staking their claim to have HC Benches in their respective areas. The members of bars of these districts argued that their regions fulfil all the criteria to have the Benches.
Sources informed members of bars from Rourkela and Mayurbhanj would depose before commission on Saturday. Although the commission has received about 100 affidavits from several bars and eminent persons, it is likely to record depositions of a few witnesses so as to submit its report by the end of October.
Set up in January 2008, the commission has had 10 extensions in the mean time, each for six months. last time its tenure was extended in June this year. However, looking at the recent upheavals in some parts of the State demanding HC Benches, the Govt requested the commission to submit its report by October.