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When the Judge saw that he was absent since his disability prevented him from climbing the stairs, she left the bench, walked down to the ground floor, and held the hearing there.
Compassion in Action: Hearing Held on the Ground Floor for One Determined Claimant
Sometimes the most powerful moments in a courthouse happen far from the bench. On an ordinary day in Mandya district, Karnataka, a quiet lesson in empathy unfolded.
This was not through a landmark ruling or fiery arguments, but in a simple decision to move a courtroom closer to someone who needed it. What began as a routine hearing became a small but striking reminder that the spirit of justice isn’t confined to four walls or a fixed floor.
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Madegowda, a resident of Maddur, lost the use of his leg in an accident several years ago. Though entitled to compensation, he faced a different kind of injury: endless delays from the insurance company responsible for his claim. Tired of being ignored, he filed a case in the Lok Adalat at the Maddur court, hoping for closure and the funds he needed for medical care.
On the day of the hearing, the case was scheduled in the JMFC courtroom on the third floor. When Judge Harini noticed that Madegowda was absent and learned that his disability prevented him from climbing the stairs, she left the bench, walked down to the ground floor, and held the hearing there.
Those present watched as the judge listened patiently while Madegowda described years of frustration and financial strain caused by the insurance company’s refusal to release his settlement.
Swift Order and Applause
After hearing the testimony, Judge Harini instructed the insurance company to pay Rs 2.5 lakh immediately. Her decision was met with spontaneous applause from the assembled crowd, who recognized the rare sight of a judge stepping beyond formal procedure to ensure that justice was both accessible and humane.
The episode has sparked conversation across Karnataka’s legal circles. In a country where many struggle to navigate inaccessible public buildings and slow-moving bureaucracy, Judge Harini’s act serves as a reminder that the spirit of the law lives in empathy as much as in statutes.
About the Author
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
September 16, 2025, 14:49 IST
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