Sambalpur: Members of the Sambalpur Bar Association, which has been agitating for a permanent High Court bench in the district got a shot in the arm after it was reported that over 200 organisations have decided to support the lawyers’ demand.
People in Sambalpur have been facing a lot of trouble for the last two and a half months as work in all courts, revenue courts, the collectorate, RDC office and other offices has been hampered because of the stir.
Lawyers continue to picket offices and even stop judges from entering offices. To step up the agitation, the Bar Association has decided to shut all offices November 19.
Meanwhile, 200 outfits have hinted at supporting the agitation. If they go ahead with the move, it will impact the normal life. It is feared that as offices do not function as usual, students and job aspirants have to face a lot of problems in availing caste certificates for admission and job purpose.
While poor people are unable to get help from the Red Cross, land sale, purchase and registration have been severely affected by the agitation.
It may be noted that the Bar Association is going to observe Mahabandh in Western Odisha on November 29 and 30 over the issue. Functioning of schools, colleges, markets and state and Central government offices will be hit if it materialises.
PNN