Andhra Pradesh Government Sanctions 96 New Courts to Strengthen Judicial System
The Andhra Pradesh government has taken a significant step to enhance the state's judicial framework by issuing orders on Monday for the establishment of 96 additional courts. This initiative aims to expand judicial infrastructure, effectively address the mounting pendency of cases, and improve overall access to justice for citizens across the region.
Cabinet Approval and Court Distribution
The decision follows a recent cabinet approval of a proposal to set up these new courts. The sanctioned courts are distributed across various judicial cadres: 12 courts will be in the cadre of District and Sessions Judges, 25 courts in the cadre of Civil Judges (Senior Division), and 59 courts in the cadre of Civil Judges (Junior Division). The orders also include the creation of posts for support staff as per the approved structure and sanction for necessary expenditure.
Proposal from High Court and Staff Augmentation
This move comes in response to proposals submitted by the High Court, which sought augmentation of court strength at multiple locations to handle the increasing caseload. Consequently, the government has approved the creation of 1,730 posts across various categories, including judicial officers, administrative staff, and support personnel, adhering to prescribed staffing patterns.
Increase in Cadre Strength
With this latest sanction, the cadre strength of District Judges will rise from 176 to 188, Civil Judges (Senior Division) from 138 to 163, and Civil Judges (Junior Division) from 329 to 388. The government has clarified that these posts will be formally included in the respective cadre strength upon the issuance of the order.
Locations for New Courts
District and Sessions Courts: The new District and Sessions Courts will be established at key locations including Amalapuram, Guntur, Gudivada, Kurnool, Nandyal, Visakhapatnam, Gajuwaka, Narsipatnam, and Proddatur. Notably, several of these courts will function as additional Family Courts-cum-District Courts.
Civil Judge (Senior Division) Courts: Courts at this level have been sanctioned in Anantapuramu, Tadipatri, Ramachandrapuram, Sattenapalli, Mangalagiri, Vijayawada, Nuzvid, Gudur, Visakhapatnam, Gajuwaka, Bheemunipatnam, Bhimavaram, Nidadavole, Jangareddygudem, and Proddatur, among others.
Civil Judge (Junior Division) Courts: The 59 Civil Judge (Junior Division)-cum-Judicial Magistrate of First Class courts will be established across multiple districts, such as Anantapuramu, Chittoor, East Godavari, Guntur, Krishna, Kurnool, Prakasam, Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, and West Godavari.
Infrastructure and Support
Each new court will receive budgetary support for contingent expenditure and essential infrastructure, including libraries and furniture. Additionally, the order permits the engagement of masalchi services from administrative expenses as required, ensuring smooth operational functionality.
