Retired Supreme Court judge A.S. Bopanna inaugurated the newly established Senior Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Court at Ponnampet, the taluk headquarters in Kodagu district. He also inaugurated an e-Seva Kendra.
Speaking at the formal function, Bopanna said the court had been established to make legal services more accessible to ordinary citizens. Resolving cases at the taluk level would reduce the burden on litigants who otherwise had to travel farther to access judicial services. He stressed that everyone must have fair access to justice.
A.S. Ponnanna, Chief Minister’s Political Secretary and Virajpet MLA, said the legislature, executive and judiciary were the three pillars of the Constitution. Democracy could be sustained only if the judicial system remained strong, he said, adding that public confidence in the judiciary must be preserved by resolving cases within a reasonable time frame.
Ponnanna described the establishment of the court as the fulfilment of a long-standing demand, achieved through the efforts of several senior activists. Given Kodagu’s geographical spread and the difficulties people faced in travelling to taluk headquarters, the development of Ponnampet as an administrative centre-with public amenities being added in phases – would benefit residents. He added that mobile health services had been introduced because tribal communities in Kodagu often faced difficulties accessing healthcare. Similarly, a nearby court would make it easier for litigants to seek justice. Justice, he said, must reach even the most disadvantaged sections of society.
Karnataka High Court Justice M.G. Shukure Kamal urged people to resolve disputes peacefully. He observed that property disputes among siblings and other relatives were common but rarely benefited those involved. He also expressed concern about the tendency to seek court stay orders over minor matters and stressed the importance of timely case disposal. Judges, advocates and litigants should work together to ensure cases were resolved as quickly as possible. Justice S. Rachayya, a High Court judge and administrative judge for the Kodagu district judiciary, said efforts must focus on resolving cases and ensuring that litigants receive justice. He added that steps would be taken to maintain district and taluk courts properly and provide residential quarters and other necessary facilities.
High Court Justice C.M. Poonacha said the establishment of a full-fledged judicial system at Ponnampet would benefit local residents by bringing court services closer to them. He encouraged younger generations to progress while respecting their elders. High Court judges K.G. Shanthi and K.S. Bharath Kumar also spoke about the judicial system.
Advocate M. Suresh Aiyappa said the opening of the Senior Civil Judge and JMFC courts was the result of the dedicated efforts of many people. He was felicitated at the event.
Those present included Maruthi S., Principal District and Sessions Judge of Kodagu; M.G. Rakesh, president of the Ponnampet Bar Association; secretary Girish Annayya; ADC Jayalakshmi Rayakoda; Tahsildar Sanjana; and Bar Association presidents C.T. Joseph of Madikeri, Abhimanyu Kumar of Somwarpet, R.K. Nagendra Babu of Kushalnagar and C.K. Poovanna of Virajpet, among others. M.G. Rakesh welcomed the gathering, Advocate Sanjeev compered the event, and Advocate Kanjithanda Anita spoke about the development of the courts. Sudha Prasad and her team performed Vande Mataram and the state anthem.
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