Naveen urged to take up Berhampur High Court Bench issue

Ganjam Bar Association (GBA) urged the Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to make efforts for establishment of a permanent Bench of the High Court in Berhampur as promised by him.

The demand was made at the general body meeting of the GBA in the city on Wednesday. It may be noted that the lawyers of the GBA continue to boycott court on last four days of every month to press this demand. The association members decided to send a representation to the Chief Minister on the issue.

“If the CM agrees then a delegation of the GBA would meet him to discuss the issue,” said president of the GBA Basant Panda.

According to Mr Panda, when Mr Patnaik was a MP from Ganjam district and a Central Minister, he had supported the demand and had send a letter of recommendation to the Union Law Ministry.

The GBA has decided to approach all trade unions, social organisations, students’ and youth organisations of Ganjam district for their support on the issue.

For more than a decade, the GBA had been pressing this demand. Bandhs have been observed in the city and Ganjam district. It may be noted that members of the GBA had gone on cease work from December 4, 2007. The strike had continued for 139 days.

During the meeting, the lawyers also condemned the power private distribution company Southco for undeclared power cuts, problem of law voltage, lack of maintenance and alleged wrong billing. They threatened to initiate a mass agitation if the Southco authorities did not improve their service.