Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai on Sunday inaugurated the new Circuit Bench of the Bombay High Court at Kolhapur, assuring that steps to convert it into a permanent bench would be expedited soon.
Addressing the gathering, CJI Gavai said the bench was established to make justice more accessible for litigants from western Maharashtra’s remote areas. “This judicial arrangement is not for lawyers but for the poor and underprivileged. Deliver justice here in the spirit of Shahu Maharaj’s vision of equality,” he urged.
Highlighting the need for decentralisation of justice delivery, he noted that earlier, litigants often had to travel to Mumbai for minor disputes, which was unaffordable for many. “This Circuit Bench must become a milestone in delivering social and economic justice to the deprived,” he said.
Calling the inauguration as significant as his own appointment as CJI, Gavai reflected on his 25-year association with the struggle for the Kolhapur bench. He credited his father’s teachings for instilling the commitment to work for the welfare of deprived sections and expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for securing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s London house for Maharashtra, recalling Shahu Maharaj’s support to Ambedkar during his education.
Chief Minister Fadnavis described the inauguration as a “historic moment,” praising CJI Gavai as the “true architect” of the bench. He announced the transfer of 25 acres of land worth ₹68 crore at Shenda Park to the High Court and assured the construction of a modern building for the bench in Kolhapur.
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde welcomed the move as the “completion of the circle of social justice,” adding that the initiative aligns with the legacy of Phule, Shahu Maharaj, and Dr. Ambedkar.
Bombay High Court Chief Justice Alok Aradhe also underlined that the new bench would particularly benefit poor litigants. Several judges, senior lawyers, and political leaders, including Advocate General Dr. Birendra Saraf and Additional Solicitor General Anil C. Singh, attended the ceremony.
