Speaker U.T. Khader urges Karnataka HC Chief Justice to set up Circuit Bench in Mangaluru
Mangaluru: Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader Fareed has written to the Chief Justice of the High Court of Karnataka, Vibhu Bakhru, seeking the establishment of a Circuit Bench of the High Court in Mangaluru to serve the coastal and Malnad regions.
In his letter dated April 20, 2026, the Speaker highlighted the long-pending demand for a circuit bench in Dakshina Kannada district. He pointed out that districts including Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, and Kodagu together account for a significant population and a large number of pending cases currently being handled by the High Court in Bengaluru.
He noted that litigants from these regions are forced to travel long distances to Bengaluru, which leads to financial burden and hardship, especially for economically weaker sections.
The Speaker stated that Mangaluru, being a major city with well-developed infrastructure, strong connectivity, and established facilities in sectors such as healthcare, banking, and industry, is a suitable location for setting up a circuit bench. He also pointed out that when the High Court was established during the Mysore State era, the population was much lower. At present, the population of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts alone exceeds 40 lakh, strengthening the case for decentralisation of judicial services.
According to the letter, setting up a circuit bench in the region would improve access to justice, help reduce case pendency, and serve the larger public interest.
Khader also mentioned that the Mangaluru Bar Association has been actively pursuing the matter and has sought an opportunity to discuss it with the Chief Justice. He expressed his full support for the demand and urged the Chief Justice to take appropriate steps in this regard.
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4 workers die after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad
Dhanbad (Jharkhand) (PTI): At least four workers died after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district on Saturday, a police official said.
The incident took place at Moonidih coal washery in the command area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
"Bodies of all four workers were dug out of debris during a rescue operation," Putki police station in-charge Waqar Hussain told PTI.
The incident took place when coal slurry was being loaded into trucks by workers, during which a large chunk of slurry fell and trapped several workers underneath, officials said.
The deceased have been identified as Manik Bauri, Dinesh Bauri, Deepak Bauri, and Hemlal Gope.
Meanwhile, the family members of the deceased and local villagers placed the bodies in front of the washery gate and began a protest.
They demanded compensation, jobs for dependents and action against those responsible for the incident.
Police and administration officials are trying to pacify the protesters, an official said.
