The Hindu : Karnataka News : H.K. Patil's induction raises hope for Circuit Benches

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Dec 20, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka

H.K. Patil's induction raises hope for Circuit Benches

By Our Special Correspondent

HUBLI, DEC. 19. The induction of H.K. Patil into the Ministry and allocation of the Law and Parliamentary Affairs portfolio to him has raised hopes for the early realisation of the demand of north Karnataka for the setting up of two Circuit Benches of the Karnataka High Court.

The then Chief Justice N.K. Jain had accepted the proposal for establishing a Circuit Bench each in Hubli-Dharwad and Gulbarga before his retirement in October.

It was stated at that time that a three-member committee of judges, headed by S.R. Naik, would submit a report on the infrastructure available only after which the process of setting up the Benches would start.

After Mr. Patil took charge, he immediately held a meeting of officials to know the progress of the proposal.

On Saturday, Mr Patil called on the Chief Justice in Bangalore.

Though officially, it was described as a courtesy call after the former's assumption of the charge of Law Ministry, the pending issue of the setting up of the Circuit Bench was reportedly broached at the meeting.Mr. Patil reportedly reiterated the Government's commitment to providing the infrastructure for the setting up the Circuit Benches.

Mr. Patil told The Hindu that he found the Chief Justice's response positive. He said he also requested the Chief Justice to send the three-member committee of judges for studying the availability of the infrastructure in Hubli and Gulbarga.

The State Government has already lined up two venues for the location of the Benches both in Hubli-Dharwad and Gulbarga and is waiting for the nod from the High Court to go ahead in providing the infrastructure needed.

Mr. Patil has been one of the staunch advocates for the establishment of the permanent Bench of the High Court in the north Karnataka.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Karnataka