A great loss to state: CM

BHUBANESWAR: Several dignitaries, including Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Assam Governor and former chief minister JB Patnaik, have mourned Justice Sarat Chandra Mohapatra. Describing Justice Mohapatra as a role model, the Chief Minister, in his condolence message, said he would always be remembered for his frank opinion and impartiality. His demise is a great loss to the State, Naveen said. The Chief Minister paid floral tributes to the mortal remains at Mohapatra’s residence. In his message, JB said Justice Mohapatra made his mark as a High Court judge, chairman of Orissa Administrative Tribunal and Lokpal. Senior Congress leader and former minister Narasingh Mishra deeply mourned the death of Justice Mohapatra and said his demise has created a void in the legal system of the State. President of BJP State unit Jual Oram, senior leader and former minister BB Harichandan and several leaders of the party also mourned Justice Mohapatra. Harichandan, who started his career as a lawyer, said Justice Mohapatra was a honest and efficient judge who delivered justice without any bias.