Kolhapur (Maharashtra) [India], August 18 (ANI): Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai on Sunday inaugurated the new Circuit Bench of the Bombay High Court at Kolhapur and assured that the process to convert it into a permanent bench would be expedited soon.

Addressing a gathering at Kolhapur after the inauguration, CJI Gavai said the bench is meant to bring justice closer to litigants from remote areas of western Maharashtra. '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.

'The High Court should soon submit a proposal for setting up a permanent bench, and that demand will be fulfilled shortly. For a small land dispute of two acres, litigants had to travel all the way to Mumbai, which was unaffordable. This Circuit Bench must become a milestone in delivering social and economic justice to the deprived,' the CJI said.

Calling the moment as joyful as his appointment as the CJI, Gavai recalled his 25-year-long association with the struggle for the Kolhapur bench. 'The position I hold is not to showcase power, but to work for the welfare of the deprived sections of society as my father taught me,' he said. He also thanked CM Devendra Fadnavis for securing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's London house for Maharashtra, recalling Shahu Maharaj's support to Ambedkar in his educational pursuits.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hailed the inauguration as a 'historic moment' and credited CJI Gavai as the 'true architect' of the bench. 'He not only approved the bench but also finalised the inauguration date himself. His persistent follow-up ensured the process was completed quickly,' Fadnavis said, while announcing the transfer of 25 acres of land worth 68 crore at Shenda Park to the High Court and promising a state-of-the-art building for Kolhapur.

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said the development completed the 'circle of social justice.' He remarked, 'Rajashri Shahu Maharaj introduced the concept of social justice from Kolhapur. Now, under the guidance of CJI Gavai, who preserves the legacy of Phule, Shahu, and Ambedkar, the bench has been established here.'

Bombay High Court Chief Justice Alok Aradhe noted that the Circuit Bench would ensure justice for poor litigants. The event also saw addresses from Justice Makarand Karnik, Bar Council President, Adv. Amol Sawant, and Adv. Sangram Desai, with Adv. Vijayrao Patil delivering the vote of thanks.

The inauguration was attended by several judges of the Bombay High Court, Advocate General Dr. Birendra Saraf, Additional Solicitor General Anil C. Singh, Goa Advocate General Devdas Pangam, cabinet ministers, MPs, MLAs and senior lawyers from across western Maharashtra. (ANI)