Intensifying their agitation for the third consecutive day demanding setting up of an Orissa High Court permanent Bench here, lawyers on Wednesday prevented the district Collector from entering his office.
Sources said Collector Arindam Dakua was scheduled to attend a videoconference with Chief Secretary AP Padhi on the day, but he had to return from the gate of his office as the agitators stopped him from entering the Collectorate.
A lawyer tonsured his head as a mark of protest over the delay in establishment of a High Court Bench.
The lawyers also staged a demonstration and a rally in the town.
The lawyers threatened that they would continue their agitation until their demand is fulfilled. Several outfits, including the Central Action Committee (CAC), also joined the stir.
Notably, the lawyers have called for a week-long closure of all major Government offices including the district Collectorate, Tehsil and other institutions in the district from December 3.