Kolhapur, Maharashtra
In a landmark event, the newly-renovated Circuit Bench building of the Bombay High Court in Kolhapur was inaugurated today by the Chief Justice of India, Bhushan Gavai, who unveiled the plaque and cut the ribbon. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, Alok Aradhe, were prominently present at the ceremony.
Public Health Minister and Kolhapur Guardian Minister Prakash Abitkar, State Planning Board Working President Rajesh Kshirsagar, MPs Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj and Dhairyasheel Mane were among the key dignitaries. Also in attendance were senior Bombay High Court judges, including Justice Chandrashekhar, Justice Makarand Karnik, Justice Shivkumar Dige, Justice Sharmila Deshmukh, Justice S.G. Chapalgaonkar, Justice Bharati Dangre, Kolhapur Guardian Judge Manish Pitale, and Justice Anil Kilor. Several MLAs, senior editor and Padma Shri awardee Dr. Pratapsinh Jadhav, Collector Amol Yedge, Municipal Commissioner K. Manjulakshmi, IG Sunil Phulari, and officials from the Public Works Department were present as well.
The program began with a Guard of Honour by the police. Later, dignitaries, led by CJI Bhushan Gavai and CM Fadnavis, inspected the premises and praised the quality of work.
The building, situated opposite CPR Hospital, was renovated with an allocation of ₹46 crore by the state government. Through the coordination of the district administration, municipal corporation, PWD, and police department, the heritage structure was restored in record time.
Historic Building Gets New Life
The District Court building, originally constructed in 1874, was lying unused after the court was shifted to Kasba Bawda. Only a family court functioned here. With the restoration, this heritage site has now been repurposed to house the Kolhapur Circuit Bench, giving it renewed prominence.
Facilities and Infrastructure
The historic Radhabai Building now houses the registrar’s office, record room, strong room, and other offices. The renovation has enhanced its beauty, with new lounges for judges and dedicated chambers for public prosecutors.
Benefits to Citizens
The Kolhapur Circuit Bench will serve citizens of six districts Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg—by providing faster and more accessible justice. It will save time, effort, and money for litigants and contribute to the growth of education, industry, trade, and tourism in western Maharashtra. Law students and practitioners will also gain new opportunities through this facility.
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