Vijayawada, October 11: The demand for setting up a High Court bench between Vijayawada-Guntur has been gaining momentum with the bar associations of coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema launching a relay fast for it. Davuluri Samuel John, the convener of the Joint Action Committee for constitution of an HC bench between Vijayawada and Guntur explained why there need to bring justice closer to the people of coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema.
How is your demand for an HC bench between Vijayawada and Guntur justified?
It is a long standing demand of the bar associations of Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema. As per the Gentlemen’s Agreement signed after the merger of Andhra and Hyderabad states, the High Court was shifted from Guntur on condition that an HC bench would be set up here. The agreement was reached in the presence of former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru. But it has not materialised even after more than five decades.
Why have bar associations kept quiet all these years?
The advocates of Coastal Andhra conducted an agitation for 133 days in 1993 to press for the demand.
But wrong suggestions were given to the then chief minister K Vijayabhaskara Reddy and he didn’t act on it. Bar council members made a counter claim for an HC bench at Visakhapatnam.
Later after N T Rama Rao assumed power, he promised three HC benches in the state. But the High Court rejected his proposal.
What are the advantages if an HC bench is located between in Vijayawada-Guntur?
Vijayawada and Guntur are centrally located. Any petitioner from coastal Andhra or Rayalaseema regions can reach the place easily. The HC bench would save money and valuable time of both petitioners and courts. Over 75 per cent of the pending cases in High Court are from coastal Andhra or Rayalaseema. Some cases have been pending for more than a decade.
How many judges would be there in the HC bench?
Nearly ten judges would be posted to the HC bench.
Further plans to press for the demand?
We met the chief justice of High Court and he responded positively. Now we will meet chief minister K Rosaiah and union law minister Veerappa Moily soon.
–Agencies