Bombay High Court Kolhapur Bench Lands 75 Acres for Expansion

• The Maharashtra Government has sanctioned 75 acres of land at Shenda Park in Kolhapur for the circuit bench of the Bombay High Court.
• 495 permanent staff positions are being created specifically for the Kolhapur High Court Bench.
• The establishment of the Kolhapur bench was made possible under Section 51 of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
• The decision will have a significant impact on cases pending in the Kolhapur bench and contribute to greater access to justice for western Maharashtra districts.

He recounted a conversation he had with Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis during a high level meeting. ‘I asked the CM ‘if slightly more land can be sanctioned for Kolhapur, this issue will be settled permanently, eliminating the need to request additional land in the future.' The Chief Minister showed great generosity.

The Maharashtra Government has sanctioned 75 acres of land at Shenda Park in Kolhapur for the circuit bench of the Bombay High Court. This decision was made during the foundation day celebration of the Kolhapur bench, which was established a year ago. The Acting Chief Justice of Bombay High Court, Ravindra V Ghuge, highlighted the administrative efforts behind the land allocation, crediting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for his generosity in allocating the land. According to Ghuge, he had requested additional land during a high-level meeting with the CM, and 75 acres have now been officially transferred to the bench. Furthermore, 495 permanent staff positions are being created specifically for the Kolhapur High Court Bench.

The establishment of the Kolhapur bench was made possible under Section 51 of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, which allows for additional sittings of High Courts with approval from the State and Governor. This provision has been instrumental in facilitating the expansion of the Bombay High Court's reach to western Maharashtra districts, including Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Solapur, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. The decision to establish the Kolhapur bench was the result of decades-long advocacy by lawyers and litigants from these regions, who sought greater access to justice. A detailed study conducted by former Bombay High Court Chief Justice Mohit Shah played a crucial role in identifying Kolhapur as an ideal location for the new bench.

The land allocation and staff expansion at the Kolhapur bench are significant developments that will have far-reaching implications for the region. With increased resources, the bench is poised to resolve disputes more efficiently, providing relief to litigants who had been waiting for justice. Lawyers and compliance officers should take note of this development, as it may impact their clients' cases pending in the Kolhapur bench. The expansion of the Bombay High Court's reach will also contribute to greater access to justice for western Maharashtra districts, aligning with the State Reorganisation Act's intent to facilitate regional development.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for the impact of this development on their clients' cases, particularly those pending in the Kolhapur bench, as the increased staff and land allocation may lead to faster resolution of disputes.

Source: Original reporting via [Source]