The opposition parties, BJD and Congress, have expressed that the government’s decision constitutes a betrayal of the people of Odisha
OdishaPlus Bureau
Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has unequivocally stated that there is no substantial justification for establishing a bench of the Orissa High Court in any other location within the state. This statement was made in response to inquiries from BJD MLAs Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo and Manohar Randhari. Majhi referenced a Supreme Court remark regarding the demand for a circuit bench, asserting, “There is no justification for an HC bench.”
In December 2022, the Supreme Court indicated that the request for an Orissa High Court bench had become outdated due to the passage of time and advancements in technology. The Supreme Court also urged lawyers in Sambalpur to cease their agitation for an HC bench unconditionally after it escalated into violence. In response to media questions on the matter, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan stated that the government would thoroughly review the entire issue and make an informed decision following extensive consultations. It may be recalled that there have been demands for HC benches from various regions across the state for years.
Senior BJP MLA from Sambalpur and former minister Jaya Narayan Mishra however has emphasized that the party remains committed to its demand for a High Court bench in western Odisha. “Our demand for a High Court bench in western Odisha remains steadfast. We have not retracted our position,” he stated. “The number of pending cases is increasing. Delayed justice equates to denied justice. States like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra have established High Court benches; why should Odisha not have the same?” Mishra inquired.
It is noteworthy that during its time in opposition, the BJP had endorsed the call for a High Court bench in western Odisha. Legal professionals in the area have led a movement advocating for this issue for over twenty years.
The opposition parties, BJD and Congress, have expressed that the government’s decision constitutes a betrayal of the people of Odisha. BJD MLA Singh Deo emphasized that the demand for High Court benches in western Odisha, especially in Balangir, has been longstanding. He pointed out that Balangir previously hosted a circuit bench of the High Court prior to independence, which was later discontinued. “This represents a betrayal of western Odisha,” he has said.
