Odisha HC bar association suspends lawyer who represented in apex court

Cuttack: A day after the Supreme Court talked tough on lawyers’ agitation in the State, the Orissa High Court Bar Association today suspended senior lawyer Siba Shankar Mishra from its membership.

After a meeting here, the bar association’s action committee said Mishra, who was representing the Orissa High Court before the apex court, has presented wrong information on the lawyers’ stir. Also, Mishra has acted against the interest of lawyers in the State, the association alleged.

Yesterday the Supreme Court expressed its unhappiness over the ongoing ceasework agitation of the Orissa High Court Bar Association opposing appointment of judges in the HC as per the recommendation of Supreme Court Collegium.

A bench consisting of Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph took a strong objection to the lawyers’ stir and sought a report from Mishra within two days.

“We have inquired from the learned counsel as to what steps have been taken by the High Court towards the said objective and whether the local police is in a position to ensure the same, failing which the paramilitary forces would have to be deployed for which directions can be issued to the Central government,” the SC said.

While issuing a notice to the Central government in the case, the apex court posted the matter for hearing on October 24.