Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 1: Kolhapur will host a new bench of the Bombay High Court from August 18, following an official notification issued by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe with approval from the Governor of Maharashtra.

This development marks the fourth bench of the High Court in Maharashtra, apart from the principal seat in Mumbai and existing benches in Nagpur and Aurangabad. A separate bench also functions in Goa.

The Kolhapur bench is expected to cover six districts — Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg — bringing major relief to litigants and legal professionals who earlier had to travel over 380 km to Mumbai for hearings.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the decision, calling it a historic moment. He noted that the matter had been under active consideration since the start of his tenure.

Fadnavis, who also holds the Law and Judiciary portfolio, said the move will make justice more accessible and reduce both time and cost for people. He expressed gratitude to Chief Justice of India B R Gavai and Chief Justice Aradhe for enabling the new bench.

A roster for the judges assigned to the Kolhapur bench is expected to be finalised soon.