Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal
Bantwal, Oct 28: The movement for establishing a circuit bench of the High Court in Mangaluru in the coastal region has been reignited. In this regard, a consultative meeting of the office-bearers of lawyers’ associations from all taluks of Dakshina Kannada was held on Monday evening under the auspices of the Bantwal Lawyers’ Association.
The meeting was inaugurated by MLC and general secretary of the struggle committee Ivan D’Souza. He stated that if the government allocates funds in the budget and makes a commitment in one line, the Supreme Court will not interfere in establishing the bench. He emphasized the need to create a public movement to achieve this goal.
Referring to the successful establishment of benches in Gulbarga and Dharwad due to similar movements, Ivan shared that discussions have already taken place with the law minister, who responded positively. He stated that Mangaluru in Dakshina Kannada, with its full range of facilities, is the ideal location for the High Court circuit bench.
Ivan stressed the need to intensify the movement by opening a central office of the struggle committee at the district level and forming a committee to distribute responsibilities. He urged cooperation from all organizations, institutions, law colleges, representatives, and the public to support district-wide protests, including a district bandh, and a padayatra from Mulki to Sullia under the leadership of senior lawyers. He also mentioned plans to submit representations to the governor and government.
Meeting in December
Ivan also mentioned that the legislative session will be held in Belgaum in the first or second week of December. During this time, a meeting will be arranged under the leadership of assembly speaker U T Khader involving MLAs from seven districts, ministers, and the chief minister, along with the law minister, for comprehensive discussions on the issue. Prior to this, the struggle committee will tour the seven districts to gather public opinion.
He assured that efforts would be made in the next cabinet meeting to secure approval for funding towards the construction of the court building in Bantwal, at an estimated cost of Rs 29 crore.
Herculean effort needed
Former MLC and senior lawyer Monappa Bhandary noted that the demand for a High Court circuit bench in the district has existed for a long time, though effective movements had not occurred. He stressed the need for a well-structured and impactful approach to achieve this objective.
Monappa pointed out that Mangaluru is a central location for all seven districts and is well-equipped with transportation and infrastructure facilities. He emphasized that establishing the circuit bench of the High Court will benefit future generations and requires determined efforts.
H V Raghavendra, president of the Mangaluru Lawyers’ Association, shared that the struggle for a circuit bench in Mangaluru has been ongoing since 1981, with numerous meetings held on the matter. The current proposal has gained momentum.
A cricket tournament organized by the Lawyers’ Association will take place on December 13, 14, and 15, during which a postcard campaign, signature drive, and public awareness initiatives will be launched to demand the establishment of the bench.
Lawyer M P Noronha of Mangaluru shared details on the protest plans.
Former presidents of the Mangaluru Lawyers’ Association Ashok Ariga and K Prithviraj Rai, as well as lawyer Sumana Sharan, senior lawyers from Bantwal Ishwar Upadhyaya, Ashwini Kumar Rai, and Prasad Kumar Rai, attended the meeting.
Lawyers from various taluk associations, including Sukumar from Sullia, Vasanth from Beltangady, Harish from Moodbidri, and Chinmayi from Puttur, also provided their input.
During the occasion, MLC Ivan D’Souza was honored by the Bantwal Lawyers’ Association, marking his first visit after being elected as an MLC.
The association submitted two separate requests to Ivan, seeking funds for the association and the court building.
A coconut sapling was planted as part of the program. Richard M Costa, president of the Bantwal Lawyers’ Association, welcomed the gathering, lawyer Veerendra Siddakatte read the felicitation letter, B Venkataraman Shenoy expressed thanks, and Ravindra Kukkaje compered the program.