Mangaluru: MLC Ivan D'Souza announced on Saturday that the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court is expected to visit Mangaluru soon to inspect sites identified for the proposed high court circuit bench. The development follows a meeting between a delegation from the Bar Association of Mangaluru, along with former Supreme Court judge and current Andhra Pradesh Governor Justice S Abdul Nazeer, and the Chief Justice.
Delegation Highlights Need for Circuit Bench
The delegation briefed the Chief Justice on the sites identified for the circuit bench and emphasized the need to establish it in Mangaluru to serve the region. The Chief Justice assured them that he would visit and inspect the locations before making a decision, D'Souza said.
Meeting with Administrative Judge
The delegation also met Justice HT Narendra Prasad, the administrative judge of Dakshina Kannada, to discuss the long-pending demand for a circuit bench. D'Souza noted that setting up a high court bench in Mangaluru has been a long-standing demand, and it would benefit the districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, and Uttara Kannada.
Proposed Infrastructure and Steps
As an initial step, a circuit bench has been proposed, with discussions already held on providing essential infrastructure, including a court hall, residential accommodation for judges, and office space. Dakshina Kannada district minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has written to the state government seeking allocation of space in the old deputy commissioner's office and to make arrangements for judges' residences. "We have held discussions with the deputy commissioner, the public works department, and the revenue minister," he said.
Relocation of District Prison
D'Souza further stated that once the district prison is relocated to Balepuni, the 12-acre area it currently occupies could be utilized for the project. The principal district and sessions judge has also written to the government in this regard.
Bar Association's Efforts
The bar association has been actively engaging stakeholders and had earlier launched a postcard campaign to press for the establishment of the circuit bench. D'Souza added that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is convinced of the genuineness of the demand.
Legal Authority for Circuit Benches
Principal district government pleader of Dakshina Kannada, MP Noronha, pointed out that under Section 51(3) of the States Reorganisation Act, the Chief Justice has the authority to designate additional places of sitting (circuit benches) for judges.
