Representation Submitted to the Chief Justice Regarding the Establishment of High Court Circuit Bench in Mangaluru
Mangaluru: A formal representation has been submitted to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of the High Court, conveyed through Hon’ble Judges Mr. Rajesh Rai and Administrative Judge Mr. H. T. Narendra Prasad, expressing a firm commitment to provide all basic infrastructure necessary for the establishment of a Circuit Bench of the High Court in Mangaluru, within the coastal region.
This initiative directly addresses the persistent demand for a High Court Bench, intended to serve the judicial needs of the districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, and Uttara Kannada. As an initial step toward establishing a permanent bench, the proposal outlines creating a Circuit Bench. Discussions have centered on the allocation of essential infrastructure, including a dedicated court hall, suitable residential accommodations for judges, and adequate office space to facilitate the bench’s operations.
Communication through the District In-charge Minister confirmed the allocation of space within the old Deputy Commissioner’s office for this purpose. Furthermore, arrangements are being made to secure appropriate residential facilities for the presiding judges. The Deputy Commissioner is expected to take immediate and necessary action to expedite these arrangements. A formal request has also been made for a High Court committee to conduct an expeditious visit to the district to thoroughly inspect the available infrastructure and subsequently submit a comprehensive report.
Today, a delegation met with Hon’ble Judges Mr. Rajesh Rai and Mr. H. T. Narendra Prasad, Administrative Judge for Dakshina Kannada, to provide a detailed explanation of the critical need for establishing the Circuit Bench and reiterate the willingness to provide the required basic infrastructure. Mr. Ajay Melric Noronha, High Court Advocate, was also present during the discussions.
Legislative Council Member and Convenor of the High Court Bench Establishment Agitation Committee, Mr. Ivan D’Souza, informed that a memorandum from the committee was formally submitted to the Hon’ble Chief Justice through the aforementioned judges.
Mr. D’Souza further conveyed that the Hon’ble Judges responded favorably to the request and assured that all necessary steps would be undertaken in the near future to advance the establishment of the Circuit Bench. This development marks a significant step forward in addressing the long-standing demand for improved access to justice in the region.
