Kolhapur Circuit Bench of Bombay High Court Officially Notified, To Begin from 18th August
Kolhapur, 1st August 2025: After decades of sustained demand, the Bombay High Court’s circuit bench for Kolhapur has been officially notified and will commence operations from 18th August. Chief Justice Alok Aradhe issued the notification, which was later formalized through a Maharashtra government gazette following approval from the Governor.
The bench will serve six districts, Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Solapur, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg, providing much-needed relief to residents who previously had to travel to Mumbai for legal proceedings.
Former MP Sambhaji Chhatrapati shared the news on social media, revealing that he received the update directly from Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud during a flight from Delhi to Nagpur. He described the moment as emotionally overwhelming, reflecting on the long legal and political struggle behind the achievement.
The circuit bench will operate from the renovated premises of the old court building near Chhatrapati Pramila Raje Hospital. V.R. Patil, president of the Kolhapur District Bar Association and convener of the Circuit Bench Action Committee, confirmed the notification and said detailed information will be shared in an upcoming press conference.
The legal fraternity and citizens of western Maharashtra have welcomed the move, marking the culmination of a 40-year-long battle for regional judicial access.
