CJ Lisa Gill inaugurates Rs 37 crore court complex

RAJAHMUNDRY: The new 10-court building complex in Rajahmundry was inaugurated on Saturday by the chief justice of the AP high court, Justice Lisa Gill. Constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 36.85 crore, the G+4 complex houses a vulnerable witness deposition centre, a mediation centre, video conferencing facilities, and a crèche.

In her address, chief justice Lisa Gill said that legal infrastructure is not merely about bricks and mortar, but reflects the judiciary’s commitment to public trust and justice. She observed that justice reaches every section of society only when all stakeholders in the legal system discharge their duties efficiently. She also praised Rajahmundry’s rich cultural, literary, and legal heritage, noting that the region has produced eminent judges and freedom fighters.

While highlighting the importance of digitalisation, she cautioned against excessive reliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI tools, she said, cannot replace human thought, and urged members of the legal fraternity to retain independent thinking. She also advocated expanding mediation beyond family disputes to promote societal harmony rather than focusing solely on verdicts.

Justice Nyapathy Vijay shared a personal anecdote, recalling that as an advocate, he had once represented the contractor in a dispute over the construction cost of this very building. He expressed happiness at attending the inauguration today as a judge.

Justice Battu Devanand, administrative judge for the erstwhile East Godavari district, described the Bar and Bench as “two wheels of the chariot of justice.” He stressed that mutual respect and coordination between advocates and judges are crucial for delivering effective justice. While noting the 14-year delay in construction, he emphasised that providing judicial infrastructure remains a key responsibility of the government.

Principal district judge Gandham Sunitha underlined the historical significance of the Rajahmundry district court, established in 1802—one of the earliest courts in the Madras Presidency. She also recalled eminent personalities associated with the region, including former chief justice of India Koka Subba Rao and freedom fighter Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu.

Justice R Raghunandan Rao and Justice B V LN Chakravarthi also spoke on the occasion.