Mangaluru: MLC Ivan D'Souza on Saturday announced that the chief minister has written to the chief justice of the Karnataka High Court, urging the immediate establishment of a circuit bench in Mangaluru. He expressed confidence that the bench would be set up by August this year.
Chief Justice's Visit Expected
D'Souza told reporters that the chief justice is likely to visit Mangaluru either at the end of this month or in the first week of June to inspect the infrastructure identified for the proposed bench. He noted that the chief minister had expressed support for the demand during his visit to Mangaluru four months ago and had promised a decision after discussions with the chief justice.
Meeting with Chief Justice
D'Souza revealed that during a meeting with the chief justice in Udupi, the latter acknowledged that the demand for a circuit bench was genuine and emphasised the need to decentralise the law so that justice could be delivered closer to the people. However, the chief justice sought the government's opinion on the matter.
While the chief justice has the authority to expand the bench, D'Souza stressed that the government and the chief justice should move together. He added that they had requested the chief minister to write a letter. "Now we feel that 80% of the work is done after the chief minister's letter," Ivan said, expressing confidence that the high court circuit bench would be established soon.
Infrastructure Concerns Addressed
The chief justice had raised concerns about infrastructure and basic facilities, which have now been clarified through the government's communication, D'Souza said. He added that a separate committee and a nodal officer have been sought to oversee judges' accommodation.
Benefits for Coastal Districts
The circuit bench will benefit citizens of Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada and Udupi districts, D'Souza noted, while clarifying that the decision on jurisdiction lies solely with the chief justice.
Chief Minister's Letter
In his letter, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah highlighted that litigants and lawyers from coastal districts have to travel to Bengaluru, leading to financial strain, logistical difficulties and delays in accessing justice. He argued that a circuit bench in Mangaluru would decentralise judicial access and ensure timely and affordable justice, adding that the government is ready to facilitate the initiative immediately.
The letter stated that around 50,000 square feet of space at the old deputy commissioner's office in Mangaluru has been identified for court operations, along with residential accommodation for judges and the required civic and administrative infrastructure.
