Odisha CM Majhi rejects need for High Court bench in state, cites SC verdict

Bhubaneswar, Sept 2: Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Monday informed the Odisha Assembly that there is no need for establishing an Orissa High Court bench in any part of the state. Majhi made this statement in response to a question from BJD MLA Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo regarding the proposal for a circuit bench in Balangir.

The Chief Minister cited a Supreme Court verdict which, according to him, negates the need for a High Court bench outside of Cuttack. MLA Singh Deo had argued that since a bench existed in Balangir before Independence and under the accession treaty, it is binding for the state and central governments to reinstate it. He emphasized that such a bench could be established if there were political will.

Sambalpur MLA Jaynarayan Mishra criticized the BJP government for not addressing the need for a High Court bench in western Odisha. He pointed out that with the growing population and case load, the state should have a High Court bench just as other states do.

Congress MLA C.S. Raazen Ekka echoed the sentiment, describing the long-standing demand for a High Court bench in western Odisha as crucial for addressing regional needs. He noted that despite past promises, the previous BJD government did not establish the bench, and the current Chief Minister, who had previously supported the demand, now seems to be neglecting it.

In response, Ashok Das, convener of the Kendriya Kriyanusthan Committee, suggested that the Chief Minister may have misunderstood the Supreme Court's ruling, which has not specifically addressed the issue of a High Court bench in western Odisha.