Three districts, one High Court Bench: Mangaluru plan sparks regional battle

Karwar

A proposal to establish a new High Court Bench in Mangaluru has sparked a major controversy in Karnataka, with lawyers and public representatives from Uttara Kannada and Shivamogga launching strong opposition campaigns. What began as an effort to improve judicial access in the coastal region has now turned into a fierce contest among three districts. The Karnataka government recently indicated its support for setting up a High Court Bench in Mangaluru to cater to litigants from coastal Karnataka. The move is intended to reduce the burden on the principal bench in Bengaluru and improve access to justice for residents of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.

However, the proposal has faced stiff resistance from the Uttara Kannada legal fraternity. Lawyers argue that Honnavar in Uttara Kannada would be a more suitable location because of its strategic position and accessibility. They maintain that a bench in Honnavar would serve litigants from Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada more effectively than one located in Mangaluru. Advocates point out that Uttara Kannada is one of Karnataka's largest districts geographically and faces significant transportation challenges. They also note that the district has a strong legal presence with 11 Bar Associations and a substantial volume of High Court litigation.

The controversy intensified after reports that the state government had assured the Karnataka High Court of providing all necessary infrastructure in Mangaluru. Following the communication, judicial authorities reportedly visited the city to assess land availability and other facilities required for a High Court Bench. Adding another dimension to the debate, lawyers from Shivamogga have also entered the fray. The Shivamogga District Advocates Association has demanded that the bench be established in Shivamogga, arguing that the city is a natural gateway to the Malnad region and would provide better geographical balance.

The demands have transformed the issue into a regional political battle. While coastal districts continue to press for a bench in Mangaluru, advocates in Uttara Kannada and Shivamogga insist that their locations offer greater convenience. With emotions running high and protests being planned, the government faces a difficult task in arriving at a consensus. The decision on the proposed High Court Bench is likely to have long-term implications for judicial access and regional development.