Odisha HC lawyers extend cease-work agitation

Cuttack: The High Court Bar Association (HCBA) today further extended its cease-work agitation against appointment of judges in the HC as per the recommendation of Supreme Court Collegium.

The lawyers’ body which had resorted to the cease-work stir from October 14 extended its protest till November 1. A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the association held here today.

Earlier in the day, a full bench of the HC led by Chief Justice KS Jhaveri conducted the hearing of a suo moto contempt. The HCBA and other bar associations of the state sought four weeks of time to file their responses to the contempt notice. Next hearing of the case is on November 4.

“We have not received the report, on the basis of which the bar associations have been issued suo moto contempt. We have asked the court for the same. Once we receive the report, we will file our responses in the contempt case,” said HCBA president Gopal Krushna Mohanty.

He further added, “ We have formed a advisory committee consisting members from all bar associations throughout the state. A joint meeting between  Action Committee of the HCBA and the advisory committee will be held tomorrow, where we will decided on the further course of action.”

Earlier on October 15, the High Court bench had issued suo moto contempt notices to all bar associations in the state asking them to file their replies by October 21.