Uttara Kannada MLAs Oppose Shift of High Court Jurisdiction to Mangaluru Bench

Elected representatives and residents in Uttara Kannada district have voiced strong opposition to a proposal that would bring the district under the proposed High Court circuit bench at Mangaluru, demanding that the region remain under the Dharwad bench. On Wednesday, residents in Ankola submitted a memorandum to Tahsildar Nishchal Noronha to formally register their protest against the proposal.

The opposition is supported by the district Bar Association, various local organisations, and prominent elected officials including MLA Bhimanna Naik and Yellapur MLA Shivaram Hebbar. Opponents argue that transferring the district's judicial jurisdiction to Mangaluru would create severe logistical and financial difficulties for residents.

MLA Bhimanna Naik strongly condemned the proposal and extended full support to the agitation. In a statement, Naik said residents from border areas of Uttara Kannada would be forced to travel 300 km to 400 km to reach Mangaluru. He described the proposal as unscientific, warning that it would waste the time and money of poor and ordinary people while further delaying access to justice.

Naik noted that the High Court bench in Dharwad is closer and more convenient for district residents considering geography and transport connectivity. He urged the Chief Minister and the Chief Justice to intervene immediately, hold discussions with elected representatives and bar association office-bearers, and protect the public interest. Naik stated he would stand united with advocates and the public in opposing any proposal that affects the district's judicial rights.

Yellapur MLA Shivaram Hebbar also opposed the move, stating that it would inconvenience people and place a heavy burden on residents of remote areas who might have to travel nearly 400 km for judicial services. Hebbar urged the Chief Justice and Chief Minister to consult with district MLAs and advocates to ensure continued access to justice.

During the submission in Ankola, residents highlighted Uttara Kannada's close links with Hubballi-Dharwad and emphasized that joining the Mangaluru bench would cause widespread hardship. Nagaraj Manjaguni and Ashok Venkappa Naik were among those present when the memorandum was handed to Tahsildar Nishchal Noronha.