New chief justice of Orissa HC takes charge

Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan was on Wednesday sworn in by acting governor Sayeed Sibte Razi as the 22nd Chief Justice of Orissa High Court in Cuttack.

The post was lying vacant since May after chief justice A K Ganguly was transferred to Madras High Court.

With the appointment of Justice Chauhan, a judge of the Allahabad High Court, the strength of judges in Orissa High Court has risen to 19.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Law minister Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, judges of the Orissa High Court, state chief secretary and Director General of Police were present at the ceremony.