Protests Enter Eighth Day in Gadwal Over Court Relocation
The lawyers of Gadwal have been protesting for eight consecutive days against the proposed relocation of the district court to the outskirts of Poodur village. On Wednesday, senior lawyers Gattu Suresh and Kavali Narasimhulu, along with junior lawyers Gosayi Rambabu, B. Shivaraj, and B. Veeresh, joined the hunger strike. Their participation was welcomed with garlands by senior advocates, symbolizing solidarity with the cause.
Call for Media Support
Senior advocate Baligera Shivareddy stressed the importance of media coverage to bring attention to the protest. He noted that media involvement is essential to escalate the matter to higher levels of governance and amplify the movement’s reach.
Concerns Over Location
Advocate Iqbal Basha raised concerns about constructing the court in a remote area like Poodur. He argued that public institutions, such as courts, should be centrally located within towns for better accessibility and convenience. He compared the proposed site to burial grounds, which are typically situated on the outskirts, and questioned its suitability for a vital public institution.
Division Among Advocates
Basha also criticized a small group of advocates who, according to him, are complicating the situation due to personal pride and ego rather than focusing on public welfare. He urged these individuals to join the protest, warning that continued indifference could harm the legal community’s reputation and erode public trust.
Support from the Kuruv Community
Senior state leader Badrinath pledged the full support of the Kuruv community for the protest. He highlighted the difficulties and challenges that would arise if the court were moved to Poodur.
Political Backing
Prominent political figures, including Nagar Kurnool MP Mallu Ravi and former Alampur MLA Sampath Kumar, have voiced their support for the movement. They promised to bring the issue to the attention of the District Minister-in-charge and Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, with the aim of resolving the matter based on the majority opinion of the advocates.
Broad Support for the Protest
The protest has attracted backing from various political parties, caste associations, intellectual organizations, and senior doctors. Many have joined the hunger strike to show their solidarity with the lawyers. BJP Social Media Convenor Chittari Kiran praised the 96% of advocates who are united against the relocation and urged the 4% opposing them to reconsider their stance.
Community Concerns
The residents of Gattu mandal, led by Valmiki community leader Gattu Krishna, also extended their full support to the protest. They pointed out that moving the court to Poodur would cause significant difficulties, particularly for the people of Gattu.
The Road Ahead
The ongoing protest highlights important issues such as public convenience, decision-making by authorities, and unity within the legal profession. While the majority of advocates are firmly against the relocation, their movement has gained momentum with widespread support from political leaders, local communities, and civil society organizations.
However, the existence of a minority opposition within the legal fraternity underscores the need for consensus to maintain the protest’s impact and integrity. The ultimate success of the movement will hinge on sustained public support, clear communication, and timely intervention by higher authorities.
