The BJP in Shivamogga extended support to the demand of advocates for a circuit bench of the High Court of Karnataka in the city, with Member of Parliament B.Y. Raghavendra leading a delegation of party leaders to the district court premises on May 26.

Joining the demonstration alongside the MP were district BJP president N.K. Jagadish, legislators D.S. Arun and Dr. Dhananjay Sarji, former MLC R.K. Siddaramanna, and others.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Raghavendra said, “The Mumbai-Karnataka region has a circuit bench in Dharwad, and Kalyana Karnataka is served by a bench in Kalaburagi. The central region of the State deserves the same. A circuit bench in Shivamogga is not just a demand — it is the right of the people of this region.”

The MP took strong exception to the proposal to place Shivamogga under the jurisdiction of a proposed circuit bench in Mangaluru. “In what way would a bench in Mangaluru benefit the people of Shivamogga? The coastal district is not easily accessible from here. During the monsoon, traversing the Agumbe or Hulikal Ghats is an ordeal. We share a bond of love and respect with the people of Mangaluru, but that does not mean a bench there serves the interests of Shivamogga,” he said.

Mr. Raghavendra assured the gathering that he would take up the demand with the Union Ministry of Justice in New Delhi.

K.S. Eshwarappa supports demand

Former minister K.S. Eshwarappa also joined the protest and announced the support of Rashtrabhaktara Balaga for the cause. He called upon Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is scheduled to visit Shivamogga on June 1, to use the occasion to make a formal announcement on the establishment of a circuit bench in the city.

Senior advocate Basappa Gowdru, Shivamogga Bar Association president G.R. Raghavendra Swamy, advocate K.P. Sripal, and others were present.