Three days before the scheduled hearing in the Orissa High Court and seven days before the Supreme Court hearing on matters pertaining to the frequent strikes by Odisha lawyers, the Orissa High Court Bar Association here on Friday unanimously decided to “suspend” its ongoing agitation and resume court work from Monday.
“Considering the request of the Bar Council of India and the majority opinion of senior members of our bar and further taking into consideration the assurance of the Union Law Minister to look into our grievances and demands, it was resolved to suspend the abstaining from court and resume work in the interest of litigant public,” said HC Bar Association president Gopal Krushna Mohanty.
However, he stated that the bar association would continue its struggle at the appropriate forum for protecting the interest of lawyers and raise its voice against any unfair and arbitrary action of the authorities in undermining the dignity and independence of the judiciary.
The lawyers were on strike for last 20 days protesting against the ongoing judges’ appointment system.
Taking suo motu cognizance of the frequent strikes by the lawyers, a Full Bench of the High Court is currently adjudicating a criminal contempt case against 68 bar associations of the State, including the Orissa High Court Bar Association. The Full Bench is scheduled to hear the matter again on Monday.
Similarly, the Supreme Court is also hearing a transfer petition case arising out of the Orissa High Court; and in this connection, a Division Bench has expressed grave concern over the strike by the lawyers. Fixing the matter to be heard again on November 8, the Supreme Court has sought personal appearance of the Odisha State Bar Council chairman and the HC Bar Association president.