PLR PROJECTS PVT. LTD. Vs. MAHANADI COALFIELDS LIMITED

JUDGEMENT

(1.) We have the benefit of hearing learned Attorney General for India as we have issued notice as also learned counsel appearing for the Orissa High court.

(2.) We are informed that both in the High Court and practically all districts the working has been brought to a stand still by the strike of the advocates. Signature Not Verified This means Digitally signed by ANITA MALHOTRA Date: 2019.10.24 17:46:56 IST Reason: that the access to justice for a common man is not available. Learned counsel appearing for the State of Orissa assures that all police assistance as may be required will be made available both for the High Court and for the district courts to ensure that egress and ingress in all court premises is available so that the willing advocates and litigants can go and appear in their cases. We will expect the courts to perform their task to the best of their abilities even if lawyers refuse to assist the courts. The litigants cannot be without access to justice and one wonders if an alternative would have to be explored in adjacent states for access to justice, if the advocates continue to be on strike.

(3.) We are informed that the origination of the strike, though as usual subsequently many other issues are added, was over a decision of collegium clearing the names of some candidate (who practices in this court) and not clearing the name of other candidates. This can hardly be a ground for the lawyers to abstain from work.