Bhubaneswar, Feb 20: Lawyers in Puri staged a protest on Friday against the proposed relocation of the district court to an area near the Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary, blocking the Puri–Bhubaneswar National Highway at Malatipatpur.

The agitation, organised by the Puri Bar Association, led to major traffic congestion on the busy highway, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded for hours. Vehicles heading towards Bhubaneswar and Puri were seen lined up in long queues as police attempted to manage the situation.

The protesting lawyers opposed the relocation plan, arguing that shifting the district court to a site near the wildlife sanctuary would cause inconvenience to litigants, advocates, and the general public. They demanded that the government reconsider the decision and hold a detailed discussion in the State Assembly before proceeding further.

Meanwhile, the blockade caused hardship for travellers, including pilgrims heading to the revered Jagannath Temple and families visiting relatives. The Bar Association maintained that the protest was in the larger public interest, aimed at ensuring easy access to judicial services. The demonstration was scheduled to continue until 3 pm.

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