Wed Sep 17 12:33:45 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article based on that information:
**Summary:**
The BJP in Puducherry is strongly advocating for the establishment of a Madras High Court bench within the Union Territory. They submitted a memorandum to the Union Minister of State for Law and Justice, arguing that the current situation forces litigants to travel long distances and incur significant expenses to access justice in Chennai. The memorandum highlights the denial of opportunities for local lawyers and the high volume of cases originating from Puducherry, exceeding that of some smaller states. They point to previous promises made by the former Law Minister and the local Assembly’s repeated resolutions supporting the bench’s creation.
**News Article:**
**Puducherry BJP Pushes for High Court Bench, Citing Access to Justice Concerns**
**PUDUCHERRY, September 17, 2025** – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unit in Puducherry has renewed its call for the establishment of a Madras High Court bench within the Union Territory, arguing that it’s crucial for ensuring access to justice for local residents.
In a memorandum submitted to Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, BJP Puducherry President V.P. Ramalingam emphasized the significant burden placed on litigants who must travel to Chennai for appeals and revisions. The memorandum highlights the considerable distance involved, particularly for residents of Mahe and Yanam, and the associated costs of travel and accommodation.
“The fundamental right of access to justice is hampered because the appellate forum at Chennai is far away,” Ramalingam stated in the memorandum.
The BJP also argues that the absence of a local High Court bench deprives Puducherry’s legal professionals of opportunities to practice at a higher level and potentially become High Court judges. They assert that the caseload originating from Puducherry justifies the establishment of a bench, citing statistics that place the UT above some smaller states in terms of case initiation and pendency.
The memorandum also referenced prior assurances from the former Law Minister, Kiren Rijiju, and repeated resolutions passed by the Puducherry Assembly in support of the bench. The BJP hopes that renewed advocacy will lead to the swift establishment of the long-awaited High Court bench in Puducherry.