During an Assembly session, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi declared there is no justification for establishing a High Court bench in any part of the state, citing a Supreme Court ruling. This statement was in response to BJD MLA Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo's inquiry about proposals for a circuit bench in Bolangir. The demand for a High Court bench in western Odisha has been a longstanding issue, with various political parties and social organizations advocating for it due to access difficulties faced by residents. Critics, including Sambalpur MLA Jaynarayan Mishra and Congress legislator C S Raazen Ekka, argue that the increasing population and case load justify the need for a bench. In contrast, some believe the Chief Minister misinterpreted the Supreme Court's stance on the matter. Protests and demands for a bench have persisted, highlighting the regional disparities in judicial access.