Reiterating the government’s commitment to setting up a bench of Andhra Pradesh High Court in Kurnool, Industries and Commerce Minister T.G. Bharath Gupta urged the advocates, who were protesting against the delay, to maintain restraint and not to resort to protests.

The Minister’s assertion comes against the backdrop of protests by a section of lawyers against the inordinate delay in the process and alleging that a camp circuit bench or a mobile bench would be set up rather than a permanent bench.

Participating in the ‘Two Years of Trust– Development and Welfare’ programme in the 10th Ward of Kurnool on Friday, Mr. Bharath made it clear that the High Court bench will be set up in Kurnool.

“I discussed the issue with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and the latter assured that a High Court bench will certainly be established in Kurnool. IT Minister Nara Lokesh had also given ample clarity on the issue,” he said.

Noting that the process of setting up a High Court bench involved legal procedures and protocols, the Minister appealed to the advocates not to take hasty decisions.

The Minister accused the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government of reneging on the promises made regarding the High Court. He said that the alliance government was moving forward by implementing its promises one after another.

Mr Bharath announced that eligible beneficiaries would soon have the opportunity to apply for pensions and urged all eligible individuals to take advantage of it.

He also appealed to the people and pandal organisers to install small clay idols for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, as the water availability in the ponds used for immersion is limited due to the rainfall deficit. “Immersion of small clay idols requires less water. One can even perform the immersion at house, if necessary,” he said.