Odisha Advocate Murder Case: The Odisha State Bar Council (OSBC) has strongly condemned the heinous murder of Sri Pitabas Panda, a respected member of the Council and a prominent advocate from Berhampur, Ganjam district.
An emergent virtual meeting of the Council was convened late on October 6, soon after the tragic news of his death. According to reports, Sri Panda was shot dead by two unidentified assailants in front of his residence in Berhampur. The incident has sent shockwaves through the legal fraternity, which has described it as a direct assault on the rule of law and the independence of the Bar.
Expressing deep sorrow, the Council conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul. A high-level delegation led by Chairman Sri Sitanushmohan Dwivedy will visit Berhampur to meet the family and extend support.
As a mark of protest and tribute, the OSBC has announced a statewide “Pen-Down Strike” on 8th October 2025, urging all advocates across Odisha to abstain from court work on that day.
The Council has demanded:
- Immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible, through a time-bound investigation.
- Ex-gratia compensation of ₹50 lakh to the bereaved family from the State Government.
- Formation of a high-level Judicial Inquiry Commission to probe the circumstances and motives behind the crime, with a report to be submitted within three months.
The OSBC also urged the State Government and the Director General of Police to treat the case with utmost urgency and reaffirm their commitment to ensuring the safety and dignity of advocates across the State.
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