The SC pronounced the order while taking up a petition filed by Abhijit Iyer Mitra, who
was charged for making derogatory remarks on
Sun Temple
New Delhi: The Supreme Court Thursday directed the Orissa High Court Bar Association and other connected bar associations to end their strike and resume work so that people’s right to justice is upheld.
A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice DY Chandrachud had pronounced the order while taking up a petition filed by Abhijit Iyer Mitra, a journalist, who has been charged for making derogatory remarks on the Konark Sun Temple.
“We would restrain the Orissa High Court Bar Association and other bar associations from going on strike and ask them to resume the court work so that no impediment is caused to the right of access to justice of any litigant and the likes of the petitioner can file appropriate application before the High Court to protect their liberty and agitate their grievances,” the bench said.
Mitra had filed the petition in the SC mentioning that due to the ongoing strike of lawyers he could not file the application in the Orissa High Court.
The apex court had also directed the Odisha DGP to transfer the investigation of a case against police officials to the IG Crime Branch.
“We direct the Director General of Police, Odisha to transfer the investigation to the Inspector General of Police (Crime Branch) who shall himself investigate with the assistance of Superintendent of Police. However, 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 bench added.
Notably, the Bar Association of the High Court and other connected associations have boycotted work after an unsatisfactory action against the errant police officials who had allegedly beaten up an advocate.
The apex court had also extended the relief granted to Abhijit Iyer Mitra by Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Saket till October 5 and said if the petitioner seeks any kind of police assistance for the purpose of security, the same shall be duly considered by the IGP concerned.
