Mumbai: Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Saturday extended his support for the long-pending demand to establish a bench of the Bombay High Court in Kolhapur, stating that he has been in favour of the proposal for the last five years.

Justice Gavai made the remark during a meeting with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) held at Government Law College in Mumbai.

The century-old apex body, which represents over four million industries across the state, submitted a formal memorandum urging the establishment of the Kolhapur Bench to improve access to justice in Western Maharashtra.

“This clear and unequivocal support from the country’s highest judicial authority has provided renewed impetus to the movement for regional judicial access,” said MACCIA President Lalit Gandhi, who led the delegation.

The event was attended by Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court Alok Aradhe, Justice Manish Pitale, Maharashtra Advocate General Birendra Saraf, Government Law College Principal Asmita Vaidya, Harsh Saklecha, and other dignitaries.

MACCIA reiterated its commitment to the cause and urged all institutions and stakeholders to unite in support of the demand for the Kolhapur Bench, which has remained unresolved for decades despite sustained regional demand.