Odisha may write to Centre on HC bench after 20 September

The government would send its recommendation without waiting for the views of Pal Commission

The state government might write to the Centre recommending establishment of a permanent bench of the High Court in western Odisha after September 20, when the model code of conduct issued for the municipal polls ends, sources said.

The government, which under tremendous political pressure due to ongoing agitation to press for the demand in western Odisha, would send its recommendation without waiting for the views of Pal Commission, which is unlikely to give its conclusion on the matter soon.

The agitation of advocates for a separate bench of High Court has taken the shape of a political war with ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders supporting the movement in fear of losing votes. The government was embarrassed when all political parties from the region decided to stall the holding of municipal polls scheduled to be held on September 19.
 

The state election commission (SEC) has postponed the election in the area on law and order ground and asked the government to reply when elections should be held in the area.

As the protests became severe with all government offices in western Odisha region coming to standstill, Chief Minister Naveen, Patnaik has assured that a decision will be taken after the statutory observation period of code of conduct for the election

Sources said, the government had decided to go ahead with its recommendation after the United Action Committee, demanding for setting up of the High Court bench, asked it to do so.

The agitation for a permanent bench in western Odisha has turned ugly since last month with different district organisations demanding for location of the bench in their respective areas.