Udupi: The Udupi District Struggle Committee for the establishment of a High Court bench in Coastal Karnataka has welcomed the Karnataka High Court Chief Justice’s decision to constitute a three-judge committee to examine the long-standing demand for a bench in the coastal region.
The committee comprises Justice Anu Sivaraman, Justice S G Pandit and Justice Mohammed Nawaz. It has been directed to consult all stakeholders concerned and submit a report on the feasibility of establishing a High Court bench in Coastal Karnataka.
Committee formation welcomed
Prem Prasad Shetty, Udupi district convenor of the Coastal Karnataka High Court Bench Struggle Committee and founder of U-ACT, welcomed the constitution of the three-judge panel.
In a statement, Shetty described the formation of the committee as an important first step towards considering the demand for a High Court bench in the coastal region. He expressed confidence that the demand would receive due consideration and be fulfilled at the earliest.
The committee’s mandate to consult stakeholders is expected to provide an opportunity for organisations, advocates and members of the public supporting the demand to present their views before the panel.
Call to strengthen campaign
Shetty thanked the various organisations, advocates and members of the public who have supported the campaign for a High Court bench in Coastal Karnataka.
He said the movement would need to be further strengthened and organised in the coming days, particularly as the three-judge committee begins its consultations.
“We will present our legitimate demand before the committee and appeal for the establishment of the high court bench at the earliest,” Shetty said.
The demand for a High Court bench in the coastal region has been raised by legal professionals and various organisations seeking easier access to the higher judiciary for people from Coastal Karnataka.
With the constitution of the three-judge committee, representatives of the movement are expected to place their arguments and supporting material before the panel as part of the consultation process.