Mangaluru
MLC Ivan D’Souza has highlighted the need for public support to establish a circuit bench of the Karnataka High Court in Mangaluru. A delegation from the Mangalore Bar Association, led by D’Souza, met with representatives from the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), SDM Law College, Builders Association, and IMA members to rally support for this initiative.
During discussions with KCCI members, D’Souza emphasized that a circuit bench would ease access to justice for litigants from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Shivamogga, and Uttara Kannada districts. He noted that the nine-acre site currently housing the district prison will become available once the prison is relocated to Balepuni village, where construction is underway. Additionally, the old Deputy Commissioner office will also be vacated following the opening of a new office complex at Padil.
D’Souza announced plans to soon meet with the Chief Justice of India and Union Ministers to seek approval for the circuit bench in Mangaluru. Bar Association President HV Raghavendra mentioned that approximately 10,000 cases from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, and Kodagu are filed annually, and many litigants struggle to travel to Bengaluru for hearings.
KCCI President Anand G Pai pledged support for the cause, with senior advocates also in attendance at the meeting.
