Bhatkal: Senior member of the Bhatkal Bar Association, advocate, and notary R.R. Shreshthi passed away on Wednesday morning at a private hospital in Udupi after a brief illness. He was 64. Shreshthi, who began his legal practice in 1987, had successfully resolved several complex cases at the Bhatkal court and also represented clients in some cases at the Karwar District Court.

A distinguished senior advocate at the Bhatkal Bar Association, he served twice as the president of the association, making significant contributions during his tenure. Recently, Shreshthi played a pivotal role as the secretary of the building committee in securing approval for a new judicial complex in Bhatkal, working closely with a team of advocates and authorities in Bengaluru.

Prominent individuals, including Senior Division Judge Kantha Kurani, Principal Civil Judge Deepa Aralagundi, Additional Civil Judge Dhanavathi, Minister Mankal Vaidya, former MLA Sunil Naik, and several others, visited Shreshthi’s residence to pay their last respects. Members of the legal fraternity, including senior and junior advocates, retired district judges, and notable community leaders, also gathered to honor his memory.

Condolence Meeting by Bhatkal Bar Association
Upon receiving the news of Shreshthi's demise, a condolence meeting was convened by the Bhatkal Bar Association under the leadership of its president, M.J. Naik. During the meeting, members expressed their grief over the loss of a senior advocate who had been a mentor to many junior lawyers and contributed actively to court proceedings, Lok Adalats, and legal service committees.

President M.J. Naik described Shreshthi’s passing as an irreparable loss to the Bar Association and highlighted his guidance and cooperation in various legal and community matters. A minute of silence was observed as a mark of respect.

Senior advocates, including former MLA J.D. Naik, association secretary R.G. Naik, vice-president Nagaraj Naik, and other notable members of the Bar Association, participated in the meeting. Following the condolence session, the advocates suspended their office operations and court proceedings to attend Shreshthi’s final rites.