
High Court Registrar Seeks Report on Infrastructure Now
Efforts to set up a permanent High Court bench in Kurnool are gaining momentum. High Court Registrar (Vigilance) Srinivasa Sivaram has written to Kurnool District Collector Ranjit Basha formally requesting him to submit a comprehensive report on infrastructure facilities for 15 judges. In a letter dated the 29th of this month, the Registrar has urged the Collector to furnish details by the 30th.
The report must mention the availability of court complexes, courtrooms, staff rooms, accommodation for lawyers, and residential facilities for judges and court staff. According to the Registrar, these details are necessary for presentation to the High Court Judges Committee.
District Administration Responds Quickly
Kurnool Collector Ranjit Basha acted immediately on the day he received the letter. He directed the Superintendent Engineer, Roads and Buildings Department, the Municipal Corporation Commissioner, and RDO to survey available government or private buildings with essential facilities. He also instructed the Kurnool RDO to identify vacant government lands and submit a report on or before the 30th.
Government's Commitment to the High Court Bench
As part of the Prajagalam program, the ruling alliance had promised to establish a High Court bench in Kurnool before the elections. After the formation of the government, the state cabinet passed a resolution, which was later passed by the Legislative Assembly. Additionally, on October 28 last year, the then State Law Secretary (FAC) had written to the High Court's Registrar General, urging the matter to be placed before the High Court Judges-Full Court for consideration.
Committee of Senior Judges Constituted
Chief Justice Dheeraj Singh Thakur has constituted a committee of senior judges to oversee the establishment of the bench in Kurnool. The members include:
- Justice Ravinath Tilhari
- Justice R. Raghunandan Rao
- Justice N. Jayasuriya
- Justice B. Krishnamohan
Search for Suitable Buildings Underway
Senior officers have carried out detailed inspections to find appropriate buildings for court work and lodging of judges, officials, and staff. The APERC building in Dinnedevarapadu, built at a cost of ₹25 crores, has four large halls and court rooms. In addition, the guest house with four suites can be used for lodging. The facility is insufficient for 15 judges.
Officials also inspected:
- 50 free rooms in private engineering college in B. Tandrapadu
- Administration block of Cluster University at Silver Jubilee College
- A big school building in Munagalapadu under the auspices of Bala Sai Baba Trust
Pre-proposal has been sent to the respective officials regarding the above options. Things are progressing quickly, and details will follow shortly.