Commission to look into demands for HC Benches in Orissa

The Orissa government has decided to set up a one-member commission to look into the demands for permanent benches of Orissa High Court in Western and South Orissa. The lawyers in Berhampur and Sambalpur have been demanding to set up permanent benches of the High Court in their respective cities. Their demand has already taken the shape of large-scale agitation, which forced the government to take this decision.

The government's decision was announced by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in the State Assembly. The Commission will be headed by Justice C R Pal, retired Judge of the High Court. He will submit his report within six months. People in South and Western Orissa find it tough to come to Cuttack every time for the hearing of their cases. It will be a huge relief for them if their demands are finally met.