Supreme Court asks agitating lawyers to end strike in Odisha

Bhubaneswar:  The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the agitating lawyers to end the strike and join their duty in order to help people getting access to justice.

While hearing public interest litigation, the apex court restrained the Orissa High Court Bar Association and other connected associations to go on strike.

The court also directed the Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) RP Sharma to transfer the investigation to Crime Branch on the alleged attack on a lawyer in Cuttack.

“The entire investigation shall be within the charge of the Inspector General of Police and we are sure, he shall conduct the investigation with all sincerity, concern and objectivity,” the court order said.

The Supreme Court said, “We would restrain the Orissa High Court Bar Association and other connected associations from going on strike and to resume the court work so that no impediment is caused in the right of access to justice of any litigant and likes of the petitioner can file appropriate application before the High Court to protect their liberty and agitate their grievances.”

Earlier in the week, Cuttack DCP Akhileswar Singh had suspended Constables BK Samal and UK Bhuyan along with Havildar PK Behera in connection with the attack on lawyer incident.

Despite the suspension of two policemen, the agitating lawyers refused to call off their stir.

Notably, lawyers across the state are protesting since August 29 demanding the arrest of the policemen who allegedly assaulted the advocate in Cuttack on August 28.