Courts are for litigants, not lawyers: Supreme Court rejects plea against relocation of district court in AP

Courts are for litigants and not lawyers, the Supreme Court observed on Thursday while declining to entertain a petition filed by a lawyer challenging the relocation of a district court in Andhra Pradesh [Buragadda Ashok Kumar vs State of Andhra Pradesh].

The Bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai Justice K Vinod Chandran was hearing a challenge to the Andhra Pradesh High Court’s decision allowing the relocation of VI Additional District and Sessions Court from Machilipatnam to Avanigadda.

“Whenever a court is set up, the lawyers always oppose. Courts are not for lawyers but litigants. We are talking about justice at doorsteps and then all this,” CJI Gavai said.

The High Court had earlier observed that while the transfer of court may cause some inconvenience to the local lawyers, it would ultimately benefit litigants and serve the larger public interest.

After hearing the Supreme Court’s observations, the petitioners sought permission to withdraw the plea, which was allowed.