Strong Public Support Needed for High Court Bench in Mangaluru: Brijesh Chowta

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, October 4, 2026: Dakshina Kannada MP Brijesh Chowta has called for a united effort by public representatives, lawyers and citizens to press for the establishment of a Karnataka High Court bench in Mangaluru.

Speaking at a consultative meeting on Saturday, Chowta said Mangaluru is one of Karnataka’s major cities and the demand for a High Court bench in the coastal city was justified.

He said meetings would also be held at the taluk level under the leadership of local MLAs to gather public opinion on the need for a High Court bench. Its establishment would enhance Mangaluru’s importance and contribute to the development of Dakshina Kannada, he added.

Mangaluru Bar Association president Jagadish Shenava said a High Court bench would benefit the general public and welcomed the movement’s expansion from a lawyers’ demand into a broader public campaign.

MLA Vedavyas Kamath said the demand had widespread support and stressed the need to present the government with documentary evidence highlighting the necessity of a bench in Mangaluru.

Former Bar Association president H.V. Raghavendra outlined the progress of the movement so far, while senior advocate M.P. Noronha suggested a phased approach to convince the government to consider the demand.

Former Rajya Sabha member B. Ibrahim, former MLC Monappa Bhandary, former minister B. Nagaraja Shetty, Canara Chamber of Commerce president Divakar Kocchikar, Mangaluru Press Club president P.B. Harish Rai, IMA representative Dr Annayya Kulal, Lions Club representative Vinod and Tulu Nadu Rakshana Vedike founder-president Yogish Shetty Jeppu also spoke at the meeting.

Advocate Shridhar Shetty Pulincha proposed the vote of thanks, while Jagadish K.R. compered the programme.