📍 Odisha, Odisha · 🗂️ News · 📅 14 May 2026 · ⏱️ 3 min read · ✍️ Western Odisha Mirror Desk
Odisha, Odisha — BJD MLA and leader of the opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Pradeep Majhi, has stated that the demand for an Odisha High Court bench in western Odisha has no justification, citing the Supreme Court.
Background
The demand for an Odisha High Court bench in western Odisha has been a long-standing issue, with many residents and political leaders arguing that it would help reduce the judicial backlog and provide easier access to justice for people living in the region. However, the demand has been met with resistance from some quarters, who argue that setting up a new high court bench would be a costly and unnecessary exercise.
Community Impact
Majhi recently cited the Supreme Court to state that the demand for an Odisha High Court bench in western Odisha has no justification. Speaking to reporters, Majhi said that the Supreme Court had ruled that the setting up of a new high court bench would be subject to the approval of the President and the Governor of the state, and that the demand for a bench in western Odisha did not meet the required criteria. Majhi’s statement has sparked a fresh debate on the issue, with many people in the region expressing disappointment and frustration at the lack of progress.
The community in western Odisha has been affected by the lack of a high court bench in the region, with many people having to travel long distances to access justice. The absence of a high court bench has led to a significant backlog of cases, with many people waiting for years to have their cases heard. The state government had promised to set up a high court bench in western Odisha, but the project has been delayed due to various reasons, including a lack of funds and infrastructure.
What Happens Next
The demand for an Odisha High Court bench in western Odisha is unlikely to subside anytime soon, with many people in the region continuing to press for justice. The state government will need to take a fresh look at the issue and provide a clear timeline for setting up a high court bench in western Odisha. Majhi’s statement has highlighted the need for a more nuanced and informed debate on the issue, and it remains to be seen how the state government will respond to the demand.
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The Sundargarh Mirror news desk covers breaking news, governance, culture and development across western Odisha.