Bhubaneswar: Protesting the State Bar Council’s letter to the Bar Council of India seeking action against lawyers agitating for establishment of  Orissa High Court Bench in western Odisha, several lawyers’ association of the region have called for a 12- hour bandh on February 5.

The decision was taken at a meeting of several bar associations of western Odisha held at Balangir today.

It was decided in the meeting that Government offices, shops and other business establishments will remain closed on the day. Besides, vehicles will stay off roads during the bandh.

Sambalpur Bar Association President Bijitendriya Pradhan said, “The state Government and the Centre should give up ‘divide and rule’ policy. Let the Government decide on the location for HC Bench in western Odisha. We will take strong decision if action is taken against any lawyer. In case, licence of any lawyer is cancelled, we will surrender our licences en mass."

It is pertinent to mention here that, in the letter, the State Bar Council has recommended the BCI for disciplinary action against members of 17 lawyers’ associations & central working committees for continuing protest over setting up of a permanent Bench of the Orissa High Court.