Bhatkal: The Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, Vibhu Bakhru, on Sunday laid the foundation stone for a new court building within the court complex in Bhatkal.

The programme was jointly organised by the Uttara Kannada District Judiciary, the Public Works Department and the Bhatkal Taluka Bar Association. It began with traditional rituals, including bhoomi pooja, marking the commencement of construction work.

The function was presided over by Sachin Shankar Magadum, Judge of the High Court and Administrative Judge for Uttara Kannada district.

High Court judges S.G. Pandit and Anant Ramanath Hegde were present. District in-charge Minister Mankal Vaidya attended as a special guest.

Registrar of the High Court K.S. Bharat Kumar, District and Sessions Judge Parameshwar Prasanna B, Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya, Superintendent of Police Deepan M N and other officials were also present. Office bearers of the Bhatkal Bar Association and others attended the programme.