Justice M S Ramachandra Rao officially took oath as the new Tripura High Court Chief Justice on July 22. The ceremony was held at Raj Bhavan in Agartala. Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu administered the oath of office.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, senior government officials, and members of the judiciary attended the ceremony. The event was marked by dignity, formality, and high expectations from the legal community.
Read More: Naga Groups Oppose India-Myanmar Border Fence
Ceremony graced by dignitaries
Held at the Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan, the oath-taking ceremony drew wide attention. Governor Reddy welcomed Justice Rao and extended his best wishes. Dr. Manik Saha later congratulated the new Chief Justice and emphasized the role of judiciary in upholding democratic values.
After the ceremony, CM Saha stated that Justice Rao’s leadership would strengthen Tripura’s justice delivery system. He also pledged full cooperation from the state government in all judiciary-related matters.
Who is Justice M S Ramachandra Rao?
Born in Hyderabad, Justice Rao is a seasoned legal professional with over three decades of experience. He completed his law degree from Osmania University. In 1989, he began practicing law, focusing on civil, constitutional, and arbitration cases.
He became an additional judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 2012. A year later, he was appointed as a permanent judge. Over time, he served in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana High Courts. Occasionally, he also functioned as Acting Chief Justice.
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, approved his appointment to the Tripura High Court. The Ministry of Law and Justice issued the official notification on July 18.
Warm welcome from legal community
Tripura’s legal community has responded positively to Justice Rao’s appointment. Many believe that his experience will help in reducing pendency of cases and improving the court’s functioning. Lawyers and judicial officers expressed hope that the judiciary would now become more efficient and accessible.
The Tripura High Court Bar Association welcomed Justice Rao with a formal statement. They noted that his track record indicated his commitment to timely justice and judicial integrity.
A reform-minded vision
Justice Rao addressed the media briefly after taking charge. He highlighted his intention to prioritize case backlog clearance. He also emphasized the need for accessible and transparent justice.
According to him, “Justice delayed is justice denied. We must work swiftly to ensure people trust the courts.” Furthermore, he expressed interest in improving digital infrastructure and legal literacy across Tripura.
He added that coordination between the judiciary and state government is crucial for progress. He plans to hold joint discussions with government departments on improving court infrastructure.
Government promises full support
Dr. Manik Saha, while speaking to the press, assured all necessary assistance to the new Chief Justice. The CM said that the judiciary and government must function in harmony to protect democratic institutions. He also promised upgrades in court facilities and staff support.
The law department is likely to soon initiate detailed meetings with Justice Rao. These meetings will focus on case management systems, e-court facilities, and expansion of courtrooms in remote districts.
Challenges ahead in Tripura judiciary
Tripura faces multiple challenges in the legal sector. These include shortage of judges, overburdened staff, and infrastructure gaps in lower courts. Citizens living in far-flung areas often struggle to attend hearings or access legal resources.
Justice Rao is expected to tackle these challenges with a reform-driven approach. His experience in handling court systems in other states gives him an edge in navigating these issues.
Legal experts believe that under his leadership, courts in Tripura may adopt a faster and more citizen-centric model. New technologies and case-tracking tools could also see better implementation.
Legal education and public outreach
Another area Justice Rao is likely to focus on is legal education. He has previously advocated for strengthening judicial training and public awareness. Law students in Tripura may benefit from increased interaction with senior judges and legal mentors.
Legal awareness camps and outreach programs are expected to be introduced across districts. These initiatives will aim to build trust between the judiciary and the public, particularly in rural and tribal regions.
Looking ahead with commitment
Justice Rao ended his first day in office with a pledge to serve the people with fairness and dedication. He stressed that the judiciary’s role is not just administrative, but also deeply moral. Every decision, he said, must reflect justice and empathy.
He also praised his predecessor, Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh, for setting high standards in judicial leadership. Justice Rao affirmed that he would carry forward that legacy while also introducing modern judicial practices.
His assumption of office has already stirred positive expectations in Tripura. Both legal professionals and common citizens hope that his tenure will lead to faster justice and greater transparency.
Read More: Likabali town gets Rs 22 crore road project boost