Demand rises for High Court circuit bench in Shivamogga to improve justice access across central Karnataka region.
Shivamogga
A strong demand has been raised to establish a High Court circuit bench in Shivamogga, with local groups arguing that it is essential to improve access to justice for the central Karnataka region.
The High Court Circuit Bench Struggle Committee said that districts including Shivamogga, Davanagere, Chikkamagaluru, Chitradurga, and Udupi are geographically connected and have seen rising population and increasing numbers of court cases. According to the committee, this has created a need for a more accessible judicial system closer to the region.
Committee leaders said there has been a long-standing public demand for a High Court presence in central Karnataka, which they claim has remained underserved since the reorganisation of states in 1956. They also objected to reports suggesting that a coastal circuit bench may be set up in Mangaluru, saying Shivamogga was included in such plans without consultation with local stakeholders.
The group argued that any decision on establishing circuit benches should be based on recommendations of the Jaswant Singh Commission, which identified regional requirements for judicial infrastructure. They maintained that central Karnataka qualifies for such a bench due to its caseload and geographic spread.
The committee has already submitted representations to High Court judges and the Chief Minister, and plans to approach the Governor as well. They are also mobilising support from various organisations, including farmers’ associations, labour unions, traders, students, and professional bodies.
Leaders warned that if their demand is not considered, they will intensify their agitation, continuing their campaign until a circuit bench is established in Shivamogga to ensure faster and more accessible justice delivery.
