Odisha: HC lawyers cease work protesting collegium system of appointment of judges

Cuttack: Protesting against the appointment of judges in Orissa High Court by Supreme Court collegium, the High Court Bar Association (HCBA) have launched a two-day cease work protest beginning today.

The High Court Bar Association unanimously passed a resolution condemning the collegium system of selection of judges claiming it to be less transparent.

As per the resolution, a representation will meet President of India, Prime Minister, and Union Law Minister to appraise the demands of HCBA.

However, the members of Bar Association have batted for the formation of Nation Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) claiming it to be more transparent in the process of appointment of  judges.

“We strongly oppose the collegium system and demand abolition of this system. All Odisha strike will be called and the date for which will be decided in the next general body meeting scheduled on October 16. We will intensify our protest in coming days.” said HCBA president, Gopal Krushna Mohanty.

Earlier, the collegium recommended the names of advocate Sanjeeb Kumar Panigrahi and judicial officer Bibhu Prasad Routray for appointment as judges to Orissa High Court.

Today, the full bench of Orissa High Court initiated a suo motu contempt against High Court Bar Association’s resolution.

The court also issued notice to Orissa High Court Bar Association, Orrisa Bar Council and Bar Council of India. The further hearing has been posted to October 21.

“We condemn the suo motu contempt by the court and the attitude of collegium” added Gopal Krushna Mohanty