Advocates protest in Shivamogga demanding HC circuit bench

Advocates in Shivamogga initiated the second phase of their protest on Monday, seeking a High Court circuit bench in the city. The rally commenced at the district court premises, with former Hosanagara MLA Swamy Rao leading the cause. Mr. Rao argued that Shivamogga is an ideal location for the circuit bench, given its central position in the state and the substantial number of cases filed in the region.

The High Court has formed a committee to assess the feasibility of establishing a circuit bench in coastal and Malnad districts. "However, our demand remains that Shivamogga should receive the bench," Mr. Rao stated. Basappa Gowda, the honorary president of the action committee, explained that the committee appointed by the Chief Justice of the High Court will visit the coastal and Malnad regions to submit a report, providing advocates with an opportunity to present their case.

G.R. Raghavendra Swamy, president of the Shivamogga Advocates Association, along with advocate K.P. Sripal and others, participated in the protest. More than forty organizations, comprising local political party units, have pledged their support and are set to join subsequent protests.