Advocates gear up for agitation for HC Bench in Vizag

Advocates in North Andhra unite for agitations to establish a High Court Bench in Visakhapatnam.

A meeting of advocates from the seven districts of North Andhra, held at District Court complex here on Sunday (February 23), unanimously resolved to hold agitations in phases to press for a High Court Bench in Visakhapatnam.

Advocates from Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Kakinada districts participated in the meeting, presided over by Visakhapatnam Bar Association president Bevara Satyanarayana.

Mr. Satyanarayana said public support would be sought for the agitation for the HC Bench in Visakhapatnam, in the absence of which people from the region were being forced to travel hundreds of kilometres to Vijayawada.

He recalled that agitations were being organised since 1993 to this end and that there was no giving up on it now.

A steering committee would be appointed and the demand brought to the notice of the Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court and the Chief Minister. He called upon all advocates to support the agitation.

Bar Council vice-president Krishna Mohan said the demand for an HC Bench in Visakhapatnam dated back to 1989-90. A.P. Bar Council Member Narasinga Rao said the judiciary was ready to sanction an HC Bench in Visakhapatnam and suggested that meeting the judges and taking the issue to their notice could offer a solution.

Bheemunipatnam Bar Association president M.V. Parvateesam called upon the advocates to attend to their duties wearing black badges from Monday (February 24).