Bhubaneswar, Sep 19 (IANS): A 12-hour shutdown called by lawyers demanding a high court bench in western Odisha hit normal life in the region.
Protesters blocked roads and staged demonstrations in several towns including Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Deogarh and Bargarh.
Both commercial and passenger vehicles stayed off the roads. Shops and businesses and educational institutions were closed.
Rail services were partially affected for a few hours after protesters squatted on tracks in Sambalpur and Bargarh.
The lawyers of Western Orissa Bar Association were supported by political parties and NGOs.