Maharashtra Allocates 75 Acres for Bombay High Court's Kolhapur Bench

The Maharashtra government has allocated 75 acres of land at Shenda Park in Kolhapur for the Bombay High Court's Kolhapur Bench. This move is part of a major expansion of the judicial infrastructure in the region. The announcement was made during the first foundation day celebration of the Kolhapur Bench, which completed a year since its inauguration.

Acting Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, Justice Ravindra V Ghuge, said the additional land was secured following discussions with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He recalled requesting the Chief Minister to sanction sufficient land so that the bench would not have to seek additional space in the future.

The Kolhapur Bench was established under Section 51 of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, following years of demands from lawyers and litigants in western Maharashtra. The bench caters to Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Solapur, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts, providing litigants from these areas an alternative to travelling to Mumbai for High Court proceedings.

Former Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, who attended the foundation day event, said he considered the Kolhapur Bench's eventual permanent status a certainty. He said the bench was already functioning as a full-fledged High Court bench and had brought judicial services closer to people across the six districts.

Justice Gavai also pointed to the financial and logistical difficulties faced by litigants who have to travel to Mumbai for relatively small property or other disputes. He said the Kolhapur Bench would help bridge this gap and strengthen access to justice.

The Maharashtra government has also sanctioned 495 permanent staff positions for the Kolhapur Bench. This move is expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the bench. A proposal to increase the sanctioned strength of judges at the Bombay High Court from 94 to 114 is also under consideration, which could result in more judges being available at the Kolhapur Bench.

The establishment of the Kolhapur Bench is a significant development for the people of western Maharashtra. It is expected to improve access to justice and reduce the burden on litigants who have to travel to Mumbai for High Court proceedings.

The Kolhapur Bench is a major step towards decentralizing the judicial system and bringing it closer to the people. It is expected to have a positive impact on the region and improve the overall efficiency of the judicial system.

In conclusion, the allocation of 75 acres of land and the sanction of 495 permanent staff positions for the Kolhapur Bench is a significant development for the people of western Maharashtra. It is expected to improve access to justice and reduce the burden on litigants who have to travel to Mumbai for High Court proceedings.