Mangaluru: The Chief Justice of the High Court of Karnataka, Hon’ble Mr Justice Vibhu Bakhru, has indicated that a committee will be formed to examine the feasibility of establishing a circuit bench of the High Court in Mangaluru. The move comes amid a long-standing demand from the coastal region for improved access to judicial services.
The announcement has generated optimism among the legal fraternity and the public, who have been advocating for a permanent or circuit bench in coastal Karnataka to address delays in justice delivery.
Long-standing demand gains momentum
The demand for a High Court bench in Mangaluru has been actively pursued by various organisations and legal bodies. A High Court Permanent Bench Horata Samithi was recently formed under the convenorship of Ivan D’Souza, MLC, to coordinate efforts and engage with stakeholders.
The committee has held discussions with different sections of society and submitted representations to authorities highlighting the need for decentralisation of judicial services in the region.
Chief Minister highlights need for judicial reforms
The issue gained further attention after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasised the importance of improving access to justice. Speaking at the 22nd biennial state-level conference of judicial officers on April 18, he called for measures such as establishing a Supreme Court bench in South India to address case backlogs and ensure timely justice.
His remarks have strengthened the demand for regional judicial infrastructure, including a High Court bench in coastal Karnataka.
Delegation meets key dignitaries
Inspired by these developments, a delegation from the Coastal Karnataka High Court Circuit Bench Horata Samithi, led by M. P. Noronha, H. V. Raghavendra Rao, and Richard D’Costa M., met several key dignitaries to seek support and guidance.
The delegation met Justice Abdul Nazeer, former Supreme Court judge and current Governor of Andhra Pradesh, who provided valuable inputs on the roadmap for establishing a permanent bench. He assured his full support and cooperation for the initiative.
They also met Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U. T. Khader Farid, who wrote to the Chief Justice requesting the establishment of a circuit bench in Mangaluru and urging necessary action.
Chief Justice assures consideration
During their meeting with Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru, the delegation requested the establishment of a permanent bench in coastal Karnataka and, as an interim measure, a circuit bench in Mangaluru comprising one division bench and two single benches.
The Chief Justice assured that the matter would be examined in detail. He stated that a committee would be constituted to assess the availability of infrastructure and requirements for setting up the circuit bench.
He further indicated that either he or the administrative judge for Dakshina Kannada district would visit Mangaluru soon to conduct a priority inspection of facilities.
Positive response from judiciary
The delegation also met administrative judge Justice H. T. Narendra Prasad, who responded positively and assured full support for the initiative.
Justice Rajesh Rai K., who hails from the district, also extended his support and assured cooperation in facilitating the establishment of the bench.
High Court advocate Ajay Melrick Noronha accompanied the delegation during these meetings.
Widespread support from public and legal community
The proposed move has been widely welcomed by the advocate fraternity, various organisations, and the general public across coastal Karnataka. Many believe that establishing a circuit bench will significantly improve access to justice and reduce the burden on litigants who currently need to travel long distances.
A step towards accessible justice
The formation of a committee to examine the feasibility of a circuit bench marks an important step towards decentralising judicial services in Karnataka.
If implemented, the initiative is expected to enhance efficiency in case disposal and ensure timely justice for people in the coastal region, fulfilling a long-pending demand.