Mangaluru: The demand for a high court circuit bench in Mangaluru gained momentum after Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru assured a delegation that a dedicated committee would be formed to take the necessary steps.The assurance was given during a meeting in Bengaluru with a delegation of the Coastal High Court Bench Action Committee led by MLC Ivan D’Souza Friday.The delegation comprised Mangaluru Bar Association president Jagadish Shenava, Udupi Bar Association president Ronald Praveen, former Mangaluru Bar Association president Raghavendra Rao, principal district govt pleader and committee public relations officer MP Noronha.D’Souza told reporters that the Karnataka govt had been prioritising several development projects in Mangaluru. He said the proposal for a high court circuit bench was also expected to receive attention when the state cabinet meets in Mangaluru to discuss issues related to the overall development of the coastal region.He reiterated that the state govt was ready to provide all necessary infrastructure for the proposed bench.During the meeting, the chief justice acknowledged the pressing need for a circuit bench and agreed to the delegation’s request for a formal assessment of the facts. D’Souza said the chief justice’s indication that he would visit Mangaluru again in Sept for further discussions was a positive and encouraging development for the people of Coastal Karnataka, who have been pursuing the demand for several years.To facilitate the establishment of the bench, the state govt has already identified 50,000sqft of space at the old DC’s Office in Mangaluru for court infrastructure, along with residential facilities for judges.
