Coastal Karnataka lawyers seek High Court circuit bench; submit memorandum to Rajya Sabha MP

Udupi: A delegation of the U-ACT and the Udupi district unit of the Coastal Karnataka High Court Bench Agitation Committee has urged the establishment of a Karnataka High Court circuit bench for Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada districts to ensure easier access to justice.

The delegation submitted a memorandum to Rajya Sabha MP Dr M. Nagaraj during his visit to Udupi, highlighting the difficulties faced by litigants, lawyers and the public who have to travel 400 to 450 km to Bengaluru to pursue legal cases.

Advocate Prem Prasad Shetty, founder of U-ACT and district convener of the agitation committee, said the long journey was particularly challenging during the monsoon, when travel through the Ghat sections becomes difficult. He stressed that a circuit bench in the coastal region would help ensure timely and affordable justice.

The delegation also highlighted resolutions adopted at a district-level consultative meeting held on August 22 at MGM College’s Ravindra Mantapa in Udupi. The meeting involved five district bar associations and representatives of social, educational, farmers’, women’s, student and trade organisations.

The memorandum urged the Karnataka High Court Chief Justice to expedite the process and called on the state government to provide land, infrastructure and budgetary support. It also sought statutory and administrative approvals from the Union government and the Ministry of Law.

Dr Nagaraj responded positively and assured the delegation that he would take up the demand with the Union Law Ministry, the Chief Minister and senior judicial authorities.

Vijay D’Souza, Suresh Kamath, Pournami Prem and Sarita were among those present.