Bhagalpur: The Silk City awaits setting up of a Bench of Patna High Court 66 years after independence and after a struggle of 48 years. Bhagalpur District Bar Association (BDBA) had passed a resolution for the high court bench in Bhagalpur on November 11, 1967. Since then the city has been waiting for the demand to be fulfilled, despite several assurances from Top Government functionaries.
Bhagalpur, which is strategically located can serve as a seat of justice for several districts of Eastern Bihar including Bhagalpur, Banka, Kishanganj, Purnia, Katihar, Araria, Saharsa, Madhepura, Supaul, Khagaria, Begusarai, Jamui, Munger, Lakhisarai and Sheikhpura.
Uchh Nayayalaya Khandpeethsthapna Sangharsh Samiti (UNKSSS), which was formed specifically for this purpose has been trying hard to get a bench of high court set up. It has submitted several memorandum to Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India and many others.
In August 2014, Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi had announced setting up a High Court bench in Bhagalpur. Last month, Chief Justice of Patna High Court H L Narasimhan also echoed the same words.
Bhagalpur, which was a famous trade center in ancient times, was also a center of justice during Mughal era. It was the seat of the ‘Mukhya Kaazi’ (now known as Chief Judicial Magistrate) ever since 1774 till 1947.