The Jeypore Bar Association’s demand for a permanent High Court Bench here gained the support of as many as about 60 social organisations, including political parties, on the 11th day of the lawyers’ dharna in front of the Sub-Collector’s residential office here on Monday.
The Karan Association, Biswa Brahhmin Sangh and Swanker Association joined the agitation and held a rally followed by handing over of a memorandum to the Sub-Collector. The Gunupur, Rayagada, laxmipur, Malkangiri, Umarkote, Nabarangapur, Kotpad and Koraput Bar Associations also expressed their solidarity with the Jeypore District Bar Association and ceased their work leading to closure of all judicial and quasi-judicial courts and even offices of the Commercial Tax Department.
“Setting up of a HC Bench in Koraput district is a longstanding demand of the public here. The strike by the advocates will continue till fulfilment of our demand by the Government. We have got support directly or indirectly from all corners including rural and urban areas,” said District Bar Association, Jeypore president Biresh Pattnaik.
Association secretary Trinath Singhlal said, “Basing on the Jaswant Singh Committee and CR Pal Commission reports, the State Government should make its intention clear and provide justice to the demand of the undivided Koraput district.
The Bar Association would also call an economic blockade and Bandh on Wednesday in the undivided Koraput district, sources said.