Bhubaneswar: The legal fraternity across Odisha is up in arms following the brutal and “heinous” murder of senior advocate and Odisha State Bar Council member, Pitabas Panda, who was also a local BJP leader.
Bar Council of India Chairman Shri Manan Kumar Mishra strongly condemns the brutal murder of Odisha State Bar Council member
In a decisive show of protest and concern for the safety of the legal community, the Odisha State Bar Council (OSBC) has called for a statewide ‘pen-down’ strike today (Wednesday, October 8, 2025), with lawyers abstaining from all court work.
The senior advocate was fatally shot at point-blank range by two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants near his residence in Berhampur late on Monday night. The shocking nature of the crime—an attack on an advocate right outside his home—has been widely condemned as a direct assault on the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law.
Following an emergency meeting, the OSBC issued a resolution detailing a list of non-negotiable demands addressed to the state government, including the Chief Minister and Chief Justice:
Immediate Arrest of Culprits: The Council has set a 48-hour deadline for the arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators and conspirators involved in the murder.
Judicial Probe and Compensation: Demands include the constitution of a high-level judicial inquiry commission to probe the case and submit its report within three months, along with an ex-gratia compensation of ₹1 crore for the bereaved family.
Advocates’ Protection Act: The OSBC has strongly urged the government to expedite the enactment of the long-pending Advocates’ Protection Act to ensure enhanced safety and security for legal professionals across the state.
Separately, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has also weighed in, issuing a 72-hour ultimatum to the state government and demanding the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a senior IPS officer unconnected to the local police, comprehensive witness protection, and an expedited, framed-timeline trial before a designated court. The BCI stressed that the safety and dignity of advocates are “non-negotiable,” warning of nationwide peaceful protests if no meaningful progress is communicated within the deadline.
Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed deep concern over the murder and instructed the police administration to swiftly trace the culprits and ensure exemplary punishment.
However, the legal community remains firm on its protest, with OSBC President Sitanshu Mohan Diwedi stating that the cold-blooded killing underscores serious concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation and the safety of lawyers in Odisha.