Western Odisha's High Court Bench Controversy: CM Rejects Proposal, Stirring Debate

The debate over establishing a bench of Orissa High Court in western Odisha intensifies as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi cites a Supreme Court verdict to reject the proposal. Opposition leaders argue historical precedent and continued demand justify the establishment. The Supreme Court ruling deems the demand obsolete due to technological advancements and state's size.

Amid a long-standing demand for the establishment of a bench of Orissa High Court in the state's western region, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday told the House that such a facility is not justified according to a Supreme Court verdict.

Responding to a written question from BJD member Kalikesh Singh Deo, Majhi stated, ''As per a Supreme Court verdict, there is no justification for having a bench of Orissa High Court in any part of the state.'' Singh Deo had queried whether the Odisha government had any proposal to set up a circuit bench of the high court in Bolangir.

Outside the Assembly, Singh Deo defended his call for a circuit bench in Bolangir, pointing to historical precedent and claiming both state and central governments are bound by treaty to uphold the facility. He accused the BJP government of betraying western Odisha's citizens by rejecting the demand.

Contrary to the CM's stance, Senior BJP lawmaker Jaynarayan Mishra advocated for the bench, arguing that growing case numbers and the state's sizeable population warrant it. Congress legislator C S Raazen Ekka echoed the demand, criticising both BJD and BJP for their inaction in establishing a bench over the years.

Ashok Das, convener of the Kendriya Kriyanusthan Committee, questioned the CM's interpretation of the Supreme Court verdict, stating the court had not entirely ruled out the necessity for a bench in western Odisha. The Supreme Court's December 2022 ruling deemed the demand obsolete given modern technology and the state's size.

(With inputs from agencies.)