Lawyers Stand Together! Jeypore Bar Protests Heinous Murder of Advocate Pitabash Panda

District Bar Association Jeypore to Observe ‘Pen Down’ on October 8 in Condemnation of Advocate’s Murder.

The District Bar Association, Jeypore, has announced that all advocates under its jurisdiction observed a ‘Pen Down’ on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, in a show of solidarity and as a mark of protest against the heinous murder of Advocate Pitabash Panda of Berhampur, who was also a member of the Orissa State Bar Council (OSBC).

In a formal letter addressed to the Hon’ble District Judge, Koraput at Jeypore, the Association expressed deep anguish and strong condemnation over the tragic incident, calling it not only a personal attack on the deceased advocate but also a threat to the safety and dignity of the entire legal fraternity across the state.

“This grave incident is not only an attack on a member of the Legal Fraternity but also on the safety and independence of the Advocates Bar as a whole,” the letter stated.

The Association, led by President Sri Saroj Ku. Dash and Secretary Sri Sachidananda Mishra, stated that the ‘Pen Down’ decision was taken in solidarity with the bereaved family and as a symbolic protest against the brutal crime. Advocates will refrain from attending any professional court work on the said date.

The letter, marked as DBAJ/162/25, also cited the directive issued by the Odisha State Bar Council (Letter No. OSBC/Gen/6153(155)/25 dated 07/10/2025), which called upon all district and subordinate bar associations in the state to participate in the observance.

The District Bar Association requested the Hon’ble District Judge to accommodate and excuse the absence of advocates from court work on October 8, ensuring that no adverse actions are taken against lawyers participating in the protest.

 “We trust in your understanding and support in this hour of collective grief for the legal fraternity,” the letter concluded.

The ‘Pen Down’ call has been seen as a united effort by lawyers across Odisha to seek justice for the slain advocate and to demand stronger security measures for legal professionals in the state.