Orissa HC stays Govt. Order; Churches and NGO's restrained from aiding victims

Churches and NGO's remain restrained from distribution of aid to the victims of Kandhamal violence due to the High Court of Orissa conceding a stay on the implementation of the Order by the District Collector.

The District Magistrate of Kandhamal along with the District Collector banned Churches and NGO's from distribution of aid on 11 January 2008.

However, a bench consisting of Chief Justice Mr. Justice A K Ganguly and Mr. Justice B N Mahapatra last week passed the relevant order and posted the matter for further hearing on 3 April 2008.

Last month, Rev Pran Paricha from the All India Christian Council challenged the Collectors order through a Public Interest Litigation writ petition.

Joining hands with the AICC was the Archbishop of Cuttack–Bhubaneswar, Raphael Cheenath who demanded the ban to be removed and justice be rendered.

Chief Justice A K Ganguly in the order urged the Churches and NGO's to not distribute any relief materials and to maintain law and order.

Meanwhile, the GCIC protest rally for the victims of Orissa violence concluded with the candle light procession on Good Friday at the capital.

GCIC said the religious and political leaders who joined the event assured complete support and cooperation for justice.