A significant step towards establishing a High Court circuit bench in Mangaluru was taken on Friday, as MLC Ivan D’Souza convened a consultation meeting with various organizations. The demand for a High Court bench in coastal Karnataka has been longstanding, with multiple groups submitting requests over the years. Seven years ago, a dedicated committee was formed to champion this cause, and it has persistently advocated for the bench.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has now given a green signal for the establishment of the bench, D’Souza announced. The High Court Chief Justice has also expressed interest in the matter. The meeting, held at the MLC’s office, saw participation from over 15 organizations, including Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) president P B Ahmed Mudassar and leaders from various institutions.
Further Discussions with Former Supreme Court Judge
On Saturday, MLC Ivan D’Souza, who also serves as the convener of the High Court Circuit Bench Horata Samiti, met former Supreme Court judge and Andhra Pradesh Governor Justice S Abdul Nazeer in the city. During the meeting, they discussed the progress regarding the circuit bench, including steps taken at the government level, future actions, and talks held with the Karnataka High Court Chief Justice.
D’Souza emphasized that the consultation with multiple stakeholders is crucial to build consensus and ensure all procedural requirements are addressed. The establishment of a circuit bench in Mangaluru is expected to significantly reduce the burden on litigants from the coastal region, who currently have to travel to Bengaluru for High Court proceedings.
Long-Standing Demand Nears Fruition
The movement for a High Court bench in coastal Karnataka has been a long-standing issue, with various organizations and political leaders rallying for it. The formation of the Horata Samiti seven years ago marked a coordinated effort to push the demand. With the Chief Minister’s approval and the High Court Chief Justice’s interest, the proposal appears to be moving closer to realization.
D’Souza noted that the next steps involve detailed discussions with the state government and the judiciary to finalize the location, infrastructure, and other logistical aspects. The meeting with Justice Nazeer, who has extensive legal expertise, is expected to provide valuable guidance in navigating the procedural requirements.
The participation of KCCI and other business bodies underscores the economic importance of the circuit bench, as it will facilitate faster resolution of commercial disputes and legal matters, boosting investor confidence in the region.
