Jharsuguda: Normal life was thrown out of gear in Western Odisha due to the 12-hour Bandh called by the lawyers’ associations demanding the establishment of permanent High Court bench in Western Odisha.
The associations also protested against the move of the State Bar Council, which recently sought disciplinary action against the protesting lawyers. Members of several political parties like the BJD and the Congress, various voluntary organisations and the general public have extended their full support to the protest.
All business establishments, including educational institutions and government offices at Jharsuguda district, remained closed due to the bandh while vehicular traffic came to a grinding halt.
However, emergency services like Health, Ambulance and some social functions like marriage have been kept out of the purview of the bandh.
In Jharsuguda District, Various important Chowks like Kishan Chowk, Prasanna Panda Chowk, Station Chowk, Bus Stand Chowk were picketed by the lawyers of Jharsuguda Bar Associations. No four-wheeler was allowed on the roads.
“This is our long-pending demand for the establishment of the permanent high court bench. Today, People of entire Western Odisha have united together to achieve their goal at any cost and it’s a preparation for the final fight by the people of Western Odisha against the discrimination, Several associations and social organisation have also extended their support and if government is not fulfilling the demand then we will intensify this agitation even more.” threatened Sandeep Awasthy, President Jharsuguda Bar Association.
