The agitating lawyers stopped District and Sessions Judge Malaya Dash at Court Chhak in the city while he was on his way to the court complex on Thursday morning.
With the judicial system already paralysed since September 5, the members of the District Bar Association intensified their stir on the day over their demand of establishment of a permanent High Court Bench in western Odisha.
Although the Judge tried to pacify the lawyers and requested them to call of the strike, they refused and prevented him from entering the court premises.
Finding no other alternative, Dash had to return.
“Both the Central and State Governments want to set up permanent HC Bench in western Odisha. But the Orissa High Court is yet to give its consent, which is why the entire process is hanging in balance,” alleged one of the members of the bar association.
Another lawyer said, “The judge informed us that he has communicated the matter to the higher authorities. As the setting up of a HC Bnch is dependent on the consent of the Orissa High Court, the judge informed that he is doing whatever is possible on his part.”