Advocates protest in Shivamogga demanding HC circuit bench

Advocates in Shivamogga on Monday launched the second phase of their protest seeking a circuit bench of the High Court in the city, following an initial round of protests held in May this year.

Former Hosanagara MLA Swamy Rao opened the protest on the premises of the district court. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Swamy Rao said Shivamogga was the right place for a circuit bench to cater to the needs of people in the central region of the State. The High Court has constituted a committee to look into the feasibility of a circuit bench in the coastal and Malnad districts. “However, our demand is firm that Shivamogga deserves the bench, considering its location and the number of cases filed in this region,” he said.

Basappa Gowda, honorary president of the action committee, noted that the committee constituted by the Chief Justice of the High Court is expected to visit the coastal and Malnad regions to submit a report, presenting an opportunity for local advocates to make their case.

Shivamogga Advocates Association president G.R. Raghavendra Swamy, advocate K.P. Sripal, and others took part in the protest. Over 40 organisations, including local units of political parties, have extended support and plan to participate in upcoming protests.