On Monday, the Supreme Court's division bench commented on the issue of lawyers refusing to work in several districts of Odisha over a long-standing demand for a permanent bench of the Orissa High Court in the western part of the state. The Supreme Court remarked that the state of Odisha is not large enough to justify the creation of permanent benches outside of Cuttack.

While issuing a slew of orders to break the impasse, including suspending the obstinate lawyers and taking strict action against the district bar associations to which they belonged, Justice Kaul also expressed concern about the growing demand for more permanent High Court benches.

Justice Kaul also mentioned that e-infrastructure could be used to address issues of accessibility and representation. "But you don't want to use these". When asked to intervene in this matter, Justice Kaul asked the agitating district bar associations to first call a halt to their protests. "Return to the floor and pass a resolution urging all members to resume work. Nothing will be heard unless the strike is called off completely, regardless of the core issue "Justice Kaul issued a warning.

Case Title: M/s PLR Projects Private Limited v. Mahanadi Coalfields Limited and Ors. 

Diary No.: 33859-2022