Odisha, Odisha — The demand for a permanent High Court Bench in Western Odisha has rekindled, with local leaders and civil society groups urging the state government to address judicial delays and accessibility issues in the region.

Background Western Odisha, home to over 12 million people, has historically advocated for decentralised judicial infrastructure. The existing High Court benches in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar often face case backlogs, with some districts requiring residents to travel over 200km for hearings. Previous attempts to establish a permanent bench in the region, such as in 2018 and 2020, were discussed but not implemented due to administrative and financial constraints.

Full Sequence of Events The latest push follows a 2025 state government report highlighting a backlog of over 40,000 pending civil and criminal cases in Western Odisha’s subordinate courts, with resolution times averaging three to five years. Local bar associations and the Odisha Judicial Reform Committee have submitted a formal proposal to Chief Justice N. K. Sahu, citing the need for a dedicated High Court bench to expedite justice. A public meeting in Sambalpur last month, attended by over 500 citizens, reiterated the demand, arguing that judicial accessibility is critical to the region’s socio-economic development.

Community Impact Residents of districts like Sambalpur, Bargarh, and Bolangir face significant hardships due to delayed trials and cumbersome travel for court appearances. “A permanent bench would reduce case pendency and ensure timely justice,” said local MLA Rajendra Nath Lenka. Officials acknowledge the challenge but cite budgetary limitations, noting that establishing a bench could cost upwards of ₹200 crore for infrastructure and staffing. The state law department has yet to issue a formal response, though it has pledged to “review the feasibility” in the next legislative session.

Local Significance Western Odisha’s cultural and economic hub, the region’s demand aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2023 call for “judicial decentralisation” to strengthen India’s legal framework. Advocates argue that a High Court bench would not only ease the burden on existing courts but also boost investor confidence and public trust in the justice system.

What Happens Next The state government is expected to convene a task force in September to evaluate the proposal, with a final decision potentially tied to the 2026-27 budget. If approved, the bench could be operational within two years, transforming access to justice for millions in Western Odisha.