Bhubaneswar, August 4: The longstanding demand for a permanent High Court bench in Western Odisha has regained momentum after the Maharashtra government’s recent move to establish a bench in Kolhapur.
Legal professionals, citizens, and regional bodies have intensified their call for immediate action, urging both the state and central governments to address the issue. On Sunday, the ‘Koshal Rajya Samanwaya Samiti’—a regional forum championing Western Odisha’s rights—held a press conference reiterating the demand.
Citing the Kolhapur decision as a strong precedent, the committee emphasized the need for equitable judicial infrastructure in Western Odisha. They pointed out that residents from several far-flung districts, including Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bolangir, Bargarh, and Kalahandi, face significant hardships traveling to Cuttack for legal proceedings.
The committee slammed both the Odisha and Union governments for their continued apathy, stating that years of protests, resolutions, and appeals have yet to yield concrete steps.
Two years ago, the demand had reached a crescendo in Sambalpur, with mass participation from lawyers and civil society. The agitation led to police crackdowns and arrests of several lawyers, sparking nationwide outrage among legal circles. However, the movement lost steam in the aftermath of the arrests.
With Maharashtra’s recent development, activists now see an opportunity to revive the movement. They argue that a permanent bench in Western Odisha would ensure affordable, timely, and accessible justice for millions in the region.
