Lawyers Continue Protest, Lock Up Orissa HC Main Gate

Cuttack: Tension prevailed at the Orissa High Court here on Friday after agitating lawyers locked up the main gate of the court seeking immediate fulfillment of their demand.

The agitators later burnt the effigies of the Chief Justices of the Supreme Court and High Court.

“The Supreme Court has asked us to withdraw strike and join duty. But, we have decided to continue protest till justice is delivered to us,” an agitator said.

The apex court had on Thursday asked the agitating lawyers to withdraw their ongoing strike and also directed the Orissa High Court Bar Association and other connected associations to resume court work.

Hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in this regard, the top court ordered the Director General of Police (DGP) Rajendra Prasad Sharma to transfer the investigation pertaining to the case to the Crime Branch, Inspector General of Police.

The court further said that the investigation shall be under the charge of the Inspector General of Police and “we are sure, he shall conduct the investigation with all sincerity”.

The agitating lawyers had on Wednesday decided to continue their cease-work strike over police excesses colleague are arrested.