Advocate Balaji Medamalli Appointed Additional Judge of Andhra Pradesh High Court
In a significant judicial development, Advocate Balaji Medamalli has been officially appointed as an additional judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The appointment was formalized on Tuesday after receiving the assent of the President of India, with the Union government publishing a gazette notification to confirm the decision.
Collegium Recommendation and Bench Strength
The Supreme Court collegium had recently proposed Balaji Medamalli's name for the position of additional judge, a recommendation that has now been acted upon. With this appointment, the total number of judges in the Andhra Pradesh High Court has increased to 33. This figure is still below the fully sanctioned strength of 37 judges, indicating potential for further appointments in the future. Balaji Medamalli is expected to take the oath of office later this week, likely on Thursday or Friday.
Background and Legal Career of Balaji Medamalli
Balaji Medamalli hails from an agricultural family in Seshannagari Palle, located under Rajampet mandal in Kadapa district. He pursued his legal education in Hyderabad and was enrolled as an advocate in 1998, marking the beginning of a diverse and accomplished career in law.
Over the years, he has handled a wide array of cases, demonstrating expertise in multiple legal domains. His practice has included civil, criminal, constitutional, commercial taxes, and service matters, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of the legal system.
Key Roles and Professional Experience
Balaji Medamalli's career includes several notable positions that have prepared him for this judicial role. He served as an assistant government pleader between 2004 and 2006, gaining valuable experience in representing the government in legal matters. In 2018-19, he took on the role of standing counsel for the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation, further expanding his public service portfolio.
Additionally, he has worked as standing counsel for various banks and public sector undertakings, highlighting his proficiency in commercial and financial law. This extensive background in both public and private sector legal work positions him well for the responsibilities of a high court judge.
The appointment of Balaji Medamalli is seen as a step towards strengthening the judiciary in Andhra Pradesh, bringing in a judge with a robust and varied legal background. His journey from an agricultural family to the high court bench serves as an inspiration and underscores the importance of merit and dedication in the legal profession.
