In a first for the Karnataka High Court's Dharwad Bench, all court Benches on August 1, 2026, will be headed only by women judges. The move is being seen as an important step towards greater representation of women in the higher judiciary.

As per the roster released by the High Court, all seven Benches functioning that day will be presided over by women judges. These include three Division Benches and four Single Benches.

The Division Benches will hear a variety of matters, including writ petitions, civil cases, tax disputes, labour and service matters, motor accident appeals, and family court appeals.

The Single Benches will deal with criminal and civil cases, arbitration matters, commercial disputes, education-related petitions, labour and service matters, and other cases assigned to them.

The judges who will preside over the Benches are:

• Justice Anu Sivaraman and Justice K.G. Shanthi
• Justice Jyoti M. and Justice P. Sree Sudha
• Justice Lalitha Kanneganti and Justice K.S. Hemalekha
• Justice Chillakur Sumalatha
• Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju
• Justice Geetha K.B.
• Justice Rajeshwari N. Hegde

The special roster has been issued on the orders of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and signed by Registrar (Judicial) Ron Vasudev.

The all-women roster marks a historic moment for the Dharwad Bench and reflects the increasing role of women judges in India's higher judiciary.