Sambalpur:5/2/20: Normal life came to a grinding halt as Lawyers’ association observed a dawn-to-dusk Maha bandh today in several districts across the state over the demand of permanent bench of Orissa High Court in Western Odisha.
The members were seen picketing in front of the State and Central government offices.
While Courts, government offices, shops, business establishments, educational institutions remain closed in the districts, health services have been exempted from the purview of the bandh.
The bandh also affected the rail commuters as agitators staged a ‘Rail Roko’ protest in Sambalpur district. Following this, Sambalpur-Puri Intercity Express was halted.
Meanwhile, members of different political parties, voluntary organisations extended their support to the bandh.