Abhayadana, an ancient Indian ethic rooted in the principles of fearlessness and protection, has been uniquely adapted at Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala through the traditional Huyilu system. The Huyilu represents a parallel justice system where the Heggade, guided by dharmic principles and community wisdom, hears civil complaints presented by people of all faiths and backgrounds. When a complaint is lodged, both parties are summoned to appear before the Heggade at the temple. Through patient listening and fair deliberation, he delivers verdicts rooted in custom and righteousness, where the judgments have earned such respect that they are accepted by the Civil Courts of the country.
This dispensation of justice as an extension of Abhayadana, offering not just protection but equitable resolution, greatly influenced the vision of the Heggade family. Recognizing the power of structured legal knowledge to strengthen the cause of justice was eventually crystallized in 1974 with the establishment of SDM Law College in Mangaluru. The Law College became an institutional embodiment of Abhayadana, training generations of Lawyers and Judges committed to justice, equity, and community service. Today, among the college’s distinguished alumni are former Supreme Court Judges, High Court Justices, and numerous Legal Luminaries.
