New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected the demand for establishment of a permanent Orissa High Court bench in Sambalpur or any other part of the State.
“There is no hope for formation of a bench. Even if there was some possibility, that is lost now with their conduct”, ruled a bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justice SK Kaul and Justice AS Oka while strongly condemning the protest by the agitating lawyers.
The passage of time and use of technology has made the demands obsolete. The use of technology is quite widespread now and monitored by the Orissa HC. There is no need for additional bench, the Apex Court said.
“We have been informed that from any District Court in Odisha one can appear and file in the High Court. This is due to technological advancement. Distance won’t be a barrier anymore. It is proposed that one room be in every District Court be made functioning for video conferencing. The operationalisation would be in 3 months. So, that will resolve all problems,” it added.