Bandh observed in western Odisha over HC bench

Sambalpur: A 12-hour bandh is being observed in western Odisha today over the demand of establishment of a permanent High Court bench in the region.

The bandh call has been given by the lawyers’ associations of several districts of western Odisha. The lawyers have also opposed the move of the State Bar Council which recently sought disciplinary action against agaitaing lawyers.

According to members of the bar associations, there will be complete shutdown in Sambalpur, Bargarh, Bolangir, Sonepur, Deogarh, Jharsuguda, Nuapada and Sundargarh districts. But the Kalahandi lawyers’ association has decided to observe a partial ‘bandh’ in the district while extending its support to the demand.

Courts, government offices, shops, business establishments and educational institutions remained closed in view of the bandh. Extending support to the bandh call, members of Sambalpur District Congress Committee staged rail roko at Sambalpur railway station and halted Sambalpur-Puri Intercity Express.

Various voluntary organisations have also supported the bandh call.