Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai on Sunday inaugurated a new circuit bench of the Bombay High Court in Kolhapur, marking a significant step toward improving judicial access in western Maharashtra. The ceremony took place in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, Alok Aradhe.

Starting Monday, August 18, the circuit bench will commence operations with a division bench comprising Justices M S Karnik and Sharmila Deshmukh, and two single benches presided over by Justices Shivkumar Dige and S G Chapalgaonkar. The new bench will hear both civil and criminal matters from six districts, including Kolhapur, easing the burden on litigants who previously had to travel to Mumbai for hearings.

In his address, CJI Gavai paid tribute to Shahu Maharaj, the progressive ruler of the erstwhile Kolhapur princely state, recalling his landmark reforms such as the legalization of widow remarriage in 1917 and the 1920 law abolishing the exploitative Devadasi system.

Chief Justice Alok Aradhe reflected on Kolhapur’s rich judicial history, noting that the region once had its own High Court and Supreme Court during the princely era. The newly inaugurated circuit bench is housed in restored heritage buildings from that period.

Highlighting the swift renovation of the premises, CJI Gavai praised the Maharashtra government’s efficiency, stating, “The State government made the impossible possible. Their effort to renovate and preserve the building’s grandeur within 15 to 20 days deserves a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.”

He emphasized that the bench was established not only for the benefit of Kolhapur’s legal fraternity but also to serve residents from bordering regions of Karnataka and Goa who faced logistical and financial difficulties in accessing justice in Mumbai. “It’s not easy to live in Mumbai or afford high legal fees,” the CJI remarked, adding that inaugurating the bench brought him more joy than even his own swearing-in.

CJI Gavai expressed hope that the new bench would match, if not exceed, the standards set by other regional benches of the Bombay High Court. He cited the Aurangabad Bench as an example of success, noting that it had produced four Chief Justices, a Supreme Court judge, and several High Court judges despite initial skepticism.

Having inaugurated the Itanagar Bench of the Guwahati High Court just last week, the CJI concluded with a forward-looking message: “I hope this circuit bench in Kolhapur will soon be made permanent, continuing to serve the people with excellence and efficiency.”

– Ends

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