K'taka HC Circuit Benches start functioning

Gulbarga, Jul 7 (UNI) The Karnataka High Court Circuit Benches in Gulbarga and Dharwad started functioning from today, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the people of north Karnataka region.

Five judges in each bench started hearing the cases transferred from the High Court.

The new buildings were inaugurated on July four and five in Dharwad and Gulbarga, respectively by Chief Justice of India Justice K G Balakrishnan. Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, judges and political leaders had attended the function.

The five judges - V Gopal Gowda, Arali Nagaraju, N K Patil, B S Patil and N Anand - have heard 180 cases in Gulbarga.

Talking to newspersons here, Justice N K Patil described the day as ''historic'' as the dream of the people of the area was realised after five decades of struggle.

He hoped that justice could be provided to the downtrodden at less expenditure.

As many as 12,500 cases had been transferred to the circuit bench in Gulbarga while more than 10,000 cases were transferred to Dharwad bench.

The judges would be replaced every month.

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