Lawyers gear up for three-day agitation, cops on high alert

SAMBALPUR: COPS in Sambalpur may be in for a tough time for the next three days. While the High Court and the Chief Justice have asked them to ensure normal functioning of the courts, the Western Orissa Bar Association (WOBA) has geared up for its three-day agitation for a permanent bench of High Court in the region.Addressing mediapersons, president of Central Action Committee (CAC) of WOBA Nidhuban Bihari Prasad Panda said while the courts will remain closed on Monday to mark the Lawyers’ Day, they will also ensure closure of all courts on Tuesday and Wednesday.Informing about the resolution adopted by the CAC, Panda said the PIL which led to the High Court seeking affidavit from Sambalpur Bar Association (SBA) to allow judges enter their chambers was meaningless as the agitation was being carried under the banner of WOBA and SBA cannot be singled out.Under the circumstances, the CAC has decided to move the High Court seeking inclusion of presidents of all the bar associations under WOBA as parties, Panda added. The CAC has also resolved to move an appropriate forum requesting for the transfer of the PIL to a High Court outside Orissa for justice.Condemning the police action against the lawyers of Berhampur Bar Association, the CAC demanded immediate release of the arrested lawyers and unconditional apology by the police. They have also sought transfer of the Berhampur SP and other officers involved.Expressing solidarity with the lawyers of Berhampur, the CAC has decided to observe May 1 as ‘Ekata Divas’.
Monday April 28 2008 10:41 IST
ENS
www.newindpress.com