Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Committee to Examine Coastal Karnataka High Court Circuit Bench
People in coastal Karnataka want a closer branch of the Karnataka High Court.
They say traveling to the main court can make access harder for people in the coastal districts.
A group led by Ivan D'Souza met Chief Justice Vibhhu Bakhru in Bengaluru.
The Chief Justice said a committee would study whether a circuit bench could be created.
The group suggested Mangaluru as the possible location.
The study is expected to consider practical problems and the views of different groups.
The Karnataka government has said it is ready to provide basic infrastructure, according to D'Souza.
The Chief Justice is expected to meet the group again in September.
Chief Justice Vibhhu Bakhru assured a delegation that a committee would examine the demand for a Karnataka High Court circuit bench in coastal Karnataka.
The delegation proposed Mangaluru as the location and sought a study of practical issues, stakeholder views and possible hurdles.
Legislative Council member Ivan D'Souza said the Karnataka government was willing to provide basic infrastructure for the proposed bench.
The demand has support from coastal bar associations, residents, social organisations, activists and political groups, according to D'Souza.
The Chief Justice indicated he would meet the delegation again in September, while the issue could also arise at a proposed Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru.
- Who
- Chief Justice Vibhhu Bakhru, Legislative Council member Ivan D'Souza and a delegation of coastal Karnataka legal representatives.
- What
- A committee will examine the demand for a Karnataka High Court circuit bench in the coastal region.
- When
- The assurance was given during a meeting in Bengaluru; a further meeting was indicated for September, with no year stated.
- Where
- The meeting took place at the Chief Justice's office in Bengaluru, and Mangaluru was proposed as the bench's location.
- Why
- Supporters seek greater access to the High Court for people in Karnataka's coastal districts.
- Proposed institution
- Karnataka High Court circuit bench
- Proposed location
- Mangaluru
- Study mechanism
- A committee to examine factual, practical and stakeholder-related issues
- Chief Justice
- Justice Vibhhu Bakhru
- Delegation leader
- Legislative Council member Ivan D'Souza
- Government position
- The Karnataka government is willing to provide basic infrastructure, according to D'Souza
- Next indicated step
- A further meeting with the delegation in September