Orissa High Court Directs Bar Association to Submit Fresh List of Advocates for Civic PIL
The Orissa High Court has issued a directive to the Orissa High Court Bar Association, requiring the submission of a fresh list of advocates to represent all 59 wards under the Cuttack Municipal Corporation. This action is part of an ongoing Public Interest Litigation (PIL) addressing civic issues affecting the city of Cuttack.
Court's Direction and Deadline
A special bench comprising Justices K R Mohapatra and V Narasingh issued this direction, taking note of the recent election of new office bearers within the Bar Association. The court has specifically asked the association's secretary, Hrudananda Mohapatra, to file the revised list in a sealed cover by April 15. This move aims to ensure proper representation in the PIL proceedings.
Formation of a Committee for Healthcare Issues
In addition to the advocate list, the bench has called upon the Bar Association to constitute a committee of not more than five members. This committee must include at least two women and will assist the court on issues related to major healthcare institutions in Cuttack, such as SCB Medical College and Hospital and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Post Graduate Institute of Pediatrics, as well as other health sector concerns.
Procedure for Handling Civic Grievances
The court has clarified the procedure for handling civic grievances, stating that matters concerning Cuttack will now be entertained only through an Advocates' Committee representing specific wards or residents' welfare committees. This Advocates' Committee, led by the President and Secretary of the High Court Bar Association, was constituted a year ago to assist the court in dealing with issues raised in the PIL.
The bench explained, "To ensure ease of conducting the proceeding and to address multifarious issues plaguing Cuttack city that need to be addressed in the present PIL, this modality is adopted. It is needless to say that the same can be suitably modified taking into account, on the strength of inputs from the stake holders."
Confidence in the Proposed Mechanism
Expressing confidence in this proposed mechanism, the bench stated it had "no iota of doubt" that the Advocates' Committee would provide necessary assistance whenever required, particularly in advancing the concerns of common citizens whose voices often go unheard.
Expectations from State Functionaries
The court further emphasized its expectation for continued proactive cooperation from state functionaries, counsel appearing for the Union and state governments, the municipal corporation, and other state-run agencies in addressing the issues raised in the PIL. The next sitting of the Special Bench is scheduled for May 7, where further developments in this case will be reviewed.
