Kolhapur Circuit Bench has Improved Access to Justice in Western Maharashtra

The Court has held that the establishment of the Kolhapur circuit bench has significantly improved access to justice for litigants from six districts of western Maharashtra.

It noted that the decentralisation of the High Court reduced travel, cost, and delay, allowing many appeals that were earlier abandoned due to distance from Mumbai to be revived.

The Bench observed that local availability of the High Court strengthens constitutional guarantees under Articles 14 and 21 by making justice more affordable and timely. It also pointed to increased case filings, quicker disposals and effective integration with e-courts as indicators of functional efficiency.

Upholding the continued operation of the Kolhapur bench, the Court reaffirmed the importance of regional benches in advancing equitable access to justice.