10-Court Complex inaugurated in Rajahmundry

Metro India News | Rajahmundry

In a major boost to judicial infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh, a newly constructed 10-court building complex was inaugurated in Rajamahendravaram on Saturday by Andhra Pradesh High Court Chief Justice Justice Lisa Gill. The modern judicial complex, equipped with advanced facilities and digital infrastructure, is being seen as a landmark addition to the region’s legal system.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by High Court judges Justice Battu Devanand, Justice R. Raghunandan Rao, Justice B. V. L. N. Chakravarthi, Justice Sumathi Jagadam, and Justice Nyapathy Vijay, along with Principal District Judge Gandham Sunita, members of the Bar Association, judicial officers, district officials, and senior advocates.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Justice Lisa Gill said judicial infrastructure must represent not just physical structures built with concrete and steel, but also the people’s faith in justice and the judiciary’s commitment to democratic values. She stressed that justice delivery becomes truly effective only when every stakeholder in the judicial system performs their responsibilities efficiently and with integrity.

Highlighting the increasing role of technology in courts, the Chief Justice said digitisation has become indispensable in modern judicial administration. Referring to the judiciary’s functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic, she noted that Indian courts successfully remained accessible even during difficult times through digital systems and virtual hearings.At the same time, she cautioned against excessive dependence on Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies. “Tools such as ChatGPT can assist human thinking, but they cannot replace independent judicial reasoning,” she remarked, urging legal professionals to use technology responsibly without compromising critical thought.

Justice Lisa Gill also emphasised the importance of mediation and alternative dispute resolution, stating that mediation should not be confined only to family or accident-related disputes. Courts, she said, should evolve into institutions that not only resolve disputes but also promote reconciliation and harmony.

The new court complex includes modern facilities such as mediation centres, counselling rooms, video conferencing infrastructure, witness protection facilities, record rooms, waiting halls, judges’ chambers, crèche facilities, and special amenities for persons with disabilities. Officials said proposals are underway to shift several existing courts, including civil courts and family courts, into the new premises.

The building project, which began in 2008 and underwent multiple revisions and delays over the years, was finally completed after significant financial approvals and sustained efforts from the judiciary and Bar Association. Members of the legal fraternity described the inauguration as a historic moment for Rajamahendravaram’s judicial community and expressed hope that the new infrastructure would significantly improve access to justice for the people of the region.