Naveen presses Centre for decision on HC benches

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has written to Union law minister Kapil Sibal yet again seeking speedy decision on establishment of high court bench in western and southern Odisha.

The agitation over establishment of theses benches have intensified in these parts of the state recently.

"In view of the persisting agitation by the people of both western and southern regions, I would urge upon you to engage with Odisha High Court for an early response based on which I am hopeful that a favourable solution can emerge to fulfil the long-pending demand," Patnaik said in a letter

On September 28 last year, the chief minister had written to Sibal requesting him to consider a proposal for creation of permanent benches of high court in southern and western parts of the state.

In his reply to the chief minister, Sibal had asked the state government to get the consent of the Chief Justice of high court for such a proposal. He also sought to know the specific locations of the two benches.

Patnaik was compelled to write the letter following recent intensification of local protests over the demand. While all government offices have remained closed in seven western Odisha districts of Subarnapur, Sundergarh, Sambalpur, Boudh, Deogarh, Bargarh and Jharsuguda since February 3, members of Sambalpur Bar Association started relay hunger-strike on February 5.

The letter was written today after the ministers and MLAs of western Odisha met Patnaik and discussed the issue.

After a widespread protest last year, Patnaik had assured the agitating lawyers that the state government would take necessary steps on establishment of high court benches in western and southern Odisha to meet the aspiration of the people of these two regions.

"I have also conveyed the assurance of the state government for provision of adequate funds and other resources required for establishment of these two benches," Patnaik said in the letter.