For the past 40 years, Udaipur has been at the center of a determined movement to establish a High Court Bench, a demand that resonates not only as a matter of judicial reform but also as a symbol of social and regional equality. What began as a localized protest has grown into a state-wide movement, marked by decades of persistence, sacrifice, and unwavering determination.
The Movement’s Origins: Bridging Judicial Gaps
Udaipur serves as the hub of Rajasthan’s tribal-dominated region, where access to justice is hindered by economic constraints and the physical distance from the High Courts in Jodhpur and Jaipur. Residents must often undertake arduous and expensive journeys to seek justice, disproportionately affecting those in economically weaker sections.
In the 1980s, Udaipur’s legal community initiated the movement for a local High Court Bench. Since then, monthly boycotts of judicial work, large-scale protests, and rallies have defined the struggle. Despite facing resistance and even instances of police action, the movement has only grown stronger.
Political Dynamics and Setbacks
The demand for a High Court Bench in Udaipur has been a recurring theme in Rajasthan’s political landscape. Successive governments, from Indira Gandhi to Narendra Modi, have heard the calls for action, yet concrete steps remain elusive.
Rejection of the Latest Proposal
Recently, Rajasthan’s government submitted a recommendation to the state’s Chief Justice for the establishment of a bench in Udaipur. However, the proposal was dismissed without a comprehensive review. Girja Shankar Mehta, President of the Udaipur Bar Association, emphasized that this rejection has only strengthened their resolve. Plans for intensified protests, including candle marches, street plays, and human chains, are already underway.
1995 Protests: A Turning Point
The movement reached a dramatic peak in 1995 when protestors smeared black paint on the face of then Education Minister Gulab Chand Kataria.
Recent Anshan for Justice
In a notable episode, former Assembly Speaker Shantilal Chaplot staged a hunger strike to amplify the demand. Although it was called off after government assurances, many activists believe the strike could have pushed the movement further had it continued.
Why Udaipur Deserves a Bench
- Tribal and Economic Realities:
- Udaipur is a tribal-majority region where most residents rely on daily wages. The cost and time required to travel to Jodhpur or Jaipur often make legal recourse inaccessible.
- Many residents turn to Ahmedabad, which is geographically closer, highlighting the desperate need for local judicial infrastructure.
- Historical Precedent:
- Before the merger of the Mewar State into Rajasthan, Udaipur hosted a High Court Bench. Advocates argue that reinstating the bench is both a logical and historical necessity.
- Regional Justice:
- With Jodhpur lawyers opposing the move, citing workload concerns, Udaipur’s case remains strong due to its unique socio-economic challenges.
