Kolhapur, Maharashtra: In a landmark move aimed at improving judicial access in western Maharashtra, the Bombay High Court has officially announced the establishment of a new bench in Kolhapur. The bench will commence operations from August 18, 2025, following formal notification by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe with the Governor’s approval.
The decision, notified through Extraordinary Gazette No. 41 of the Maharashtra Government, was made under the authority of sub-section (3) of Section 51 of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. This legal provision empowers the Chief Justice of a High Court to designate additional court seats, contingent on gubernatorial assent.
Notification Fulfils Long-Pending Demand
The notification reads: “In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (3) of Section 51 of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 (No. 37 of 1956), and all other powers enabling me in this behalf, I, Alok Aradhe, Chief Justice of the High Court of Judicature at Bombay, with the approval of the Governor of Maharashtra, appoint Kolhapur as a place at which Judges and Division Courts of the High Court may also sit, with effect from 18th August 2025.”
This expansion adds Kolhapur to the list of cities where the Bombay High Court has a functioning bench, alongside Mumbai (Principal Seat), Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Panaji (Goa).
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Boost to Regional Judicial Access
The creation of a permanent bench in Kolhapur is expected to reduce litigation delays and ease the burden on the existing benches, especially for petitioners and lawyers from southern and western Maharashtra. Until now, residents of Kolhapur and adjoining districts had to travel long distances to Mumbai, Aurangabad, or Nagpur for High Court matters.
Legal experts and bar associations in the region have welcomed the move, citing it as a major step towards decentralizing judicial infrastructure and making justice more accessible.
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