The “Justice Era” Begins in Kolhapur from August 17

Aug 2025 : In the judicial history of Kolhapur, August 17, 2025 will be a day written in golden letters. On this day, the Circuit Bench of the Bombay High Court at Kolhapur will be inaugurated, bringing a new facility for delivering justice to six districts. The bench will be inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Justice of India and son of Maharashtra, Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. This event will mark a historic milestone in the decentralization of justice delivery.

The city of Kolhapur is eager to witness this historic moment. Under the guidance of the Bombay High Court, the district administration has made meticulous preparations for the event, and people from all walks of life are awaiting August 17 with anticipation.

Victory After 50 Years of Struggle

The demand for a circuit bench in Kolhapur has been ongoing for the past five decades. Various bar associations, social organizations, eminent personalities, the media, and local representatives consistently pursued it. After becoming Chief Minister for the first time in 2014, Devendra Fadnavis kept this demand active, and now, during his tenure, it is being fulfilled. He expressed his special happiness and will attend the inauguration ceremony.

With the existing benches at Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Goa, the new Kolhapur Circuit Bench will now find its place in the judicial system.

Inauguration Ceremony & Dignitaries Present

The inauguration will be held at 3:00 PM on August 17, 2025 in the old court building opposite CPR Hospital, Kolhapur. It will be presided over by Chief Justice of India Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai. Present will be Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Bombay High Court Chief Justice Alok Aradhe, State Public Health & Family Welfare Minister and Kolhapur Guardian Minister Prakash Abitkar, Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif, and Justice Makarand Karnik, among others.

Benefits to Six Districts

The circuit bench will benefit the districts of Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. Previously, citizens of these districts had to travel to Mumbai for their cases, which meant high costs in time, money, and effort. Now, with cases being heard in Kolhapur, it will be far more convenient. All districts except Solapur can reach Kolhapur within 3–4 hours, while Solapur is about a 5-hour journey.

Circuit Bench vs. Permanent Bench

A circuit bench is a temporary location where High Court judges hold sessions for a certain period. The authority to establish it lies with the Chief Justice of the High Court, and the notification is issued by the Governor. A permanent bench, on the other hand, is a permanent establishment requiring constitutional procedures — the Chief Justice proposes it to the Supreme Court, and upon approval, the President issues the notification.

While the procedures and methods of delivering justice are identical, appointments to a circuit bench are temporary, whereas they are permanent at a permanent bench. The Kolhapur circuit bench could eventually be converted into a permanent bench in the future.

Scope of Cases

The Kolhapur circuit bench will hear cases related to civil, criminal, labor, property, and public rights. However, cases under the Companies Act, tax-related matters, and those pertaining to the NIA court will still be handled in Mumbai. Judges from Mumbai, Nagpur, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar will be temporarily appointed to Kolhapur to hear cases.

Kolhapur – An Ideal Justice Hub

Kolhapur, known for its historic, cultural, and religious heritage, offers excellent logistics, hotels, dharmashalas, and government rest houses, making stay and travel convenient for lawyers, litigants, and witnesses. Located centrally among the six districts, it is an ideal location for justice delivery.

Land & Infrastructure Plans

For a future Kolhapur Permanent Bench, 25 acres of land has been reserved at Shenda Park. CM Fadnavis has already allocated ₹100 crore for the construction of the bench building and related infrastructure, which will speed up the work. A modern court complex is planned for the site in the near future.

A Legacy of Justice in Kolhapur

Kolhapur has a proud tradition of justice since 1867, when cases were decided under the signature “Raja of Kolhapur.” Mahadev Govind Ranade was Kolhapur’s first judge. Historical records from 1893 mention a separate legal book titled Kolhapur State Rules. Under Rajaram Maharaj in 1931, Kolhapur had its own High Court and Supreme Court.

Salute to Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj’s Vision

Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj championed impartial, fair, and equal justice for all, without discrimination. The inauguration of the Kolhapur Circuit Bench is a true tribute to his ideals.

This new bench will bring justice closer to the common man, reduce legal costs and travel time, and speed up case resolution. Starting on August 17, the circuit bench will not just be a new judicial facility — it will be a solid foundation for decentralization and accessibility of justice. This long-awaited achievement, won after 50 years of effort, marks the beginning of a new chapter in justice delivery for Kolhapur and the entire western Maharashtra region.