Mangalore: High court judge justice B.V. Pinto honoured

Report: Fr Francis Rodrigues, Raknno
Photographs: Pachu Ferar, Raknno

Mangalore, 26 April 2010: The newly appointed Justice of the Karnataka High Court Justice Benedict Victor Pinto was honoured on the 26th of April in the Bishop’s House on behalf of the Diocese of Mangalore by Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the Bishop of the Diocese of Mangalore.

Responding to the honour he said: “I am chosen to impart justice to those who are in the darkness of injustice, especially those who belong to our own community. I cherish my initial associations with the Catholic Sabha in its initial stages. Then, Mr Blasius M. D’Souza had said once that ‘there is always a vacancy at the top.’ This original concept and the initial acquaintances with the Catholic Sabha has taken me from the little village of Kelmbet to the heights of the High Court of Karnataka. I am aware of my responsibility, as today the justice has become the property of the rich alone. I cherish the inspiration given by number of priests, leaders and institutions especially where I had my studies in undivided South Kanara. I will try my best to respond to the needs of our community with regard to the field of justice. Bless me so that I may impart real justice to the people.”

Mr M. P. Noronha, one of the senior lawyers of the city and a Christian leader introduced Justice Pinto to the gathering. He was born in Kelmbet in 1956. In 1980 he was the Joint Secretary of the Mangalore Catholic Sabha and later Vice President for 7 years. In 1986 established Legal Assistance Cell. From 1987 to 1990 was the member of the Diocesan Pastoral Council. After moving to Bangalore in 1990, he still remained a community and Church oriented lawyer. Till to this date he is the member of the Parish Pastoral Council of Madivala Church. He was the founder Secretary of Konkani Catholic Sangh of Koramangala. After practicing criminal law in Mangalore and Bangalore he was appointed the Additional Prosecutor and on the 12th of March 2010 he took oath as the Judge of the High Court of Karnataka. In spite of his great position he still remains a person of simplicity.

The Bishop of the Diocese of Mangalore honoured him, prayed for the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit on him so that he may bestow real justice and wished that he would reach the Supreme Court in the years to come. Representing the Diocese, the heads of the different Diocesan Institutions and Associations greeted the new Justice.

Sr Assumpta B.S. led the prayer service. Fr J.B. Crasta welcomed the gathering. Advocate Mr Ivan D’Souza proposed vote of thanks. PRO Fr William Menezes compeer the programme. Chancellor Fr Henry Sequeira and Mrs Maria pinto, wife of Justice B.V. Pinto were on the dais.