APNEWS

Andhra Pradesh Cabinet Greenlights Statewide Special Court to Accelerate Key Cases

The Andhra Pradesh government has approved a new special court with jurisdiction over the entire state, aimed at fast‑tracking high‑profile and national‑agency matters. Staff posts have been sanctioned to ensure the court becomes operational quickly, marking a significant step toward decongesting the regular judiciary.

By Open Vaartha Desk · 2026-07-10

TL;DR

Andhra Pradesh’s new statewide special court aims to fast‑track high‑profile cases and ease court backlogs.

Key points

Cabinet approved the special court on July 9, 2024
Located in Visakhapatnam with jurisdiction over the entire state
30 judicial and support posts sanctioned for staffing
Targets cases handled by central agencies like CBI, ED and NIA
Expected to clear ~1,200 cases per year

The state cabinet gave its nod on July 9, 2024, to establish a special court that will sit at the level of a District & Sessions Judge but wield jurisdiction across all of Andhra Pradesh. Designed to handle cases involving central agencies such as the CBI, ED and NIA, the court seeks to cut down prolonged litigation and deliver swifter justice for matters of public importance.Under provisions of the High Court Rules and the Home Ministry’s guidelines, the government can create a dedicated bench with statewide reach. The cabinet’s resolution earmarks a major city—Visakhapatnam—as the court’s headquarters, citing its connectivity and existing legal infrastructure. An initial cadre of 30 judicial and support posts has been approved to staff the bench, with recruitment slated to begin within weeks.Legal experts note that special courts have been used in other Indian states to address backlog and ensure focused attention on complex cases. By granting the bench authority over the entire state, Andhra Pradesh aims to bypass jurisdictional delays that often arise when cases shift between district courts and the High Court. The move also aligns with central efforts to strengthen the capacity of the criminal justice system.The anticipated impact includes faster disposal of pending high‑profile investigations, reduced pressure on ordinary district courts, and a clearer procedural pathway for agencies handling corruption, economic offences, and terrorism‑related matters. Early estimates suggest the new bench could clear up to 1,200 cases annually, easing the docket of the Hyderabad and Vijayawada benches of the High Court.Stakeholders, including bar associations and civil‑society groups, have welcomed the decision, emphasizing the need for transparent appointment processes and adequate infrastructure. The government has pledged to equip the court with modern case‑management software and secure facilities, aiming for the bench to become functional by the end of the fiscal year.