Mangaluru: Mangaluru City South MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath on Thursday strongly backed the demand for establishing a Circuit Bench of the Karnataka High Court in Mangaluru and criticised opposition from certain sections against the proposal. He said the demand raised by the Mangaluru Bar Association was valid and deserved wider support from political leaders and civil society groups.

Addressing reporters, the MLA stated that Mangaluru was a suitable location for a High Court Circuit Bench considering its strategic connectivity and growing administrative importance in the coastal region.

MLA calls for united support

Kamath said the focus should now be on strengthening the demand and taking it forward collectively rather than creating divisions over the issue.

He stressed that a situation had emerged where leaders across political parties, elected representatives and members of civil society needed to unite and work together for the establishment of the Bench.

According to him, support from MLAs, MLCs, Members of Parliament and public organisations would play a significant role in pushing the proposal forward.

He added that a unified approach would strengthen the region’s representation and increase the possibility of securing approval for the demand.

Mangaluru considered suitable location

The MLA pointed out that Mangaluru has strong rail, road and air connectivity, making it a convenient location for establishing a Circuit Bench of the High Court.

He said the old Deputy Commissioner’s office building could be considered as a suitable location for setting up the Bench.

Kamath stated that the city’s infrastructure and accessibility would benefit litigants and legal professionals from multiple districts who currently need to travel long distances for court proceedings.

He also highlighted the importance of ensuring easier access to judicial services for people from the coastal and Malnad regions.

CM’s letter welcomed

Kamath welcomed the recent communication sent by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru requesting consideration for setting up a Circuit Bench in Mangaluru.

He said the entire coastal region remained determined in its efforts to bring the Circuit Bench to the city.

According to him, the demand of the Mangaluru Bar Association is justified from several perspectives and would benefit people across multiple districts.

Bench expected to benefit several districts

Kamath said he had earlier written to the Chief Minister and the Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs in 2024 seeking necessary steps for establishing the Bench in Mangaluru.

He also stated that the issue had been raised by him in the Legislative Assembly.

In his letter dated September 26, 2024, Kamath reportedly highlighted that the establishment of a Bench in Mangaluru would serve people from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga and Kodagu districts.

He noted that approximately 30 per cent of cases filed before the High Court from five districts originated from the region, with around 20 per cent of those cases coming from Dakshina Kannada alone.

The MLA also suggested that a permanent High Court Bench could be established on the six-acre land currently occupied by the district jail after it is shifted to the outskirts of the city near Konaje.

The demand for a Circuit Bench in Mangaluru has gained momentum in recent months, with legal bodies and public representatives continuing efforts to secure judicial infrastructure in the region.