Bhubaneswar, October 26: The demise of Gyan Ranjan Mohanty, a prominent advocate and member of the Odisha State Bar Council (OSBC), has cast a pall of gloom over the legal fraternity across the state. He breathed his last at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar in the early hours of Sunday.

Expressing profound grief over his passing, Odisha State Bar Council Chairman Sitanshu Mohan Dwibedy described Mohanty’s death as an irreparable loss to the legal fraternity and the state. He said Mohanty was a competent advocate, a dedicated organiser and a committed public servant whose contributions would be remembered for years to come.

“Odisha has lost an experienced advocate, a dedicated organiser and a committed public servant. His commitment to the legal profession, tireless efforts for the welfare of advocates and spirit of public service will always be remembered,” Dwibedy said, paying tribute to the departed leader.

Following news of his demise, a large number of senior advocates, political leaders, office-bearers of Bhubaneswar Bar Associations, organisations and distinguished personalities visited his residence to pay their last respects and offer condolences to the bereaved family. His wife and two daughters were by his side at the time of his death.

Among those who paid tribute were Bhubaneswar MLAs Babu Singh, Sushant Kumar Rout and Ananta Narayan Jena, Odisha State Bar Council Chairman Sitanshu Mohan Dwibedy and Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar Mohanty.

Others who visited the bereaved family included Bhakta Bhushan Barik, Debi Prasad Dhal, Bibhu Prasad Tripathy, Tapan Biswal, Dhananjay Mund, Bibhu Prasad Das, Akshaya Kumar Pati, Atmaprakash Mohanty, Arupananda Das, Sourachandra Mahapatra, Debadatta Mishra, Dinesh Ray, Girija Shankar Mishra, Manas Kumar Chand and Sanjit Panigrahi.

Bhubaneswar Bar Association President Ashok Chhotary, Secretary Suman Routray and Several other senior advocates, political representatives and eminent personalities also joined in expressing their condolences.

Mohanty began his legal career at the Bhubaneswar District Court and gradually established himself as a respected legal professional across Odisha. He was elected to the Odisha State Bar Council on multiple occasions, during which he consistently raised issues concerning advocates and their legitimate demands before the government and worked towards securing their resolution.

He also served as president and secretary of the All Odisha Lawyers’ Association, playing an instrumental role in safeguarding the rights, interests and welfare of advocates. His sustained efforts to strengthen the legal community earned him respect among members of the profession.

Beyond his legal career, Mohanty was actively involved in public and political life. Inspired by the ideals of legendary leader Biju Patnaik, he began his public journey through student politics before becoming associated with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

His contributions to the legal fraternity, his leadership in advocating for the rights and welfare of lawyers, and his dedication to social service will remain an enduring part of his legacy.

Prayers were offered for the eternal peace of the departed soul, while heartfelt condolences were extended to his family and loved ones during this hour of grief.