Protest for HC Circuit Bench in Shivamogga receives support from journalists, others

The demand for a High Court Circuit Bench in Shivamogga is gaining momentum, with support pouring in from diverse sections of society. On Thursday, members of the Shivamogga district unit of the Karnataka Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) joined the ongoing protest alongside members of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, the street vendors’ association, and several other organisations, all declaring solidarity with the cause.

Advocates in Shivamogga have been staging a protest on the premises of the district court for the past three days, pressing the State government to establish a Circuit Bench in the city. Their demand, they emphasise, goes beyond Shivamogga alone — it is meant to serve the people of the neighbouring districts, including Davangere, Chitradurga, and Chikkamagaluru, all of which fall within central Karnataka and currently lack convenient access to High Court proceedings.

The agitation was triggered by reports of a government proposal to set up a Circuit Bench in Mangaluru to cater to the coastal and Malnad districts — a jurisdiction that, under the proposal, would also encompass Shivamogga. Advocates and residents have strongly opposed the move, arguing that clubbing Shivamogga with the coastal belt fails to account for the distinct geographical, administrative, and legal requirements of the central Karnataka region. They are firm in their demand for a dedicated bench in Shivamogga.

Journalists who took part in Thursday’s demonstration made a strong case for the city’s eligibility, pointing to its historical significance and the substantial volume of litigation generated from the district and surrounding areas. Speakers urged people from all walks of life to join the agitation, stressing that the issue concerns the entire region and not any one section of society.

KUWJ district president Vaidyanath, general secretary Halaswamy R.S., State committee member N. Ravi Kumar and others participated. Similarly, representatives of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike participated in the dharna under the leadership of Kiran. Former Minister and Congress leader Kimmane Ratnakar also joined the protest.

Senior advocate K. Basappa Gowda, Shivamogga Bar Association president G.R. Raghavendra Swamy and others were present.