Pune’s lawyers, led by the Pune Bar Association, are demanding a Bombay High Court bench to ease access to justice, threatening an indefinite strike. The push reflects the city’s growing need for faster, local judicial services.
Pune | 21 July, 2025: In Pune, a city pulsing with growth and ambition, the Pune Bar Association (PBA) is taking a stand for justice, demanding the establishment of a Bombay High Court bench to bring legal services closer to home. On July 17, 2025, the association issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Chief Justice and Governor, warning of an indefinite strike starting August 1 if their demand goes unmet. This passionate plea, rooted in decades of struggle, speaks to the heart of Pune’s residents, who face long journeys and delays to access high court services in Mumbai.
For years, Puneites have traveled over 150 kilometers to Mumbai’s Bombay High Court to file appeals or public interest litigations, a process that drains time, money, and energy. With Pune ranking second only to Mumbai in high court cases, the absence of a local bench creates a bottleneck, delaying justice for thousands. The PBA, representing over 10,000 lawyers, argues that a bench in Pune would ease this burden, making the legal system more accessible for ordinary citizens—students, workers, and families—who seek timely resolutions.
The demand is not new; it dates back to 1978 when a state resolution promised circuit benches in both Aurangabad and Pune, yet only Aurangabad saw progress by 1981. Pune’s lawyers have since rallied through protests, signature campaigns, and hunger strikes, as seen in 2011, when the state government acknowledged the need but cited formalities. Today, the urgency is greater, with Pune’s rapid urbanization and rising caseloads amplifying the need for a local bench. A high court bench would not only speed up justice but also boost the city’s stature as a legal hub.
The PBA’s threat of an indefinite strike carries weight, as past lawyer strikes in Pune have disrupted court operations, delaying hearings and affecting litigants. The association’s members, from young advocates to seasoned professionals, are united in their resolve, driven by the belief that justice delayed is justice denied. For them, this is personal—many young lawyers, dependent on court hearings for their livelihood, face financial strain when cases are stalled.
The community feels the ripple effects. Families seeking legal recourse, small business owners, and activists filing PILs all stand to benefit from a local bench. The PBA’s call has sparked hope but also tension, as a strike could halt judicial work, impacting thousands. As the deadline looms, Pune waits anxiously, hoping for a resolution that brings justice closer to home while honoring the city’s growth and its people’s needs.
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