SC talks tough on lawyers strike at Orissa High Court

Sambad English Bureau Published On : Oct 22, 2019 at 9:04 PM Updated On : Oct 23, 2019 at 7:48 PM

New Delhi: The Supreme Court today expressed its unhappiness over the ongoing ceasework agitation of the Orissa High Court Bar Association. Also, the apex court sought a report from counsel Siba Shankar Mishra representing the Orissa High Court in this case within two days.

A bench consisting of Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph took a strong objection to the lawyers’ stir and wanted to know what measures the Orissa high Court has taken to ensure that the judicial work functions smoothly.

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“To save the least, this is completely unacceptable, the working of the judicial system cannot be brought to a stand still. We are of the view that adequate security arrangements must be made to keep the temple of justice open,” the court said.

“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 court further said.

The SC has issued a notice to the Central government in the case and posted the next hearing on October 24.

The High Court Bar Association has been observing 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 has extended its protest till November 1.