Nandapur, 30th July 2025: In the Koraput district’s Nandapur block headquarters, the Rural Court (Gram Nyayalaya)—a subordinate JMFC Civil Judge Court—was established with the objective of bringing justice closer to the people and providing timely legal aid at the block level. This was part of the State Government’s Department of Law’s 2015 initiative, aiming for full implementation by 2025. However, even after ten years, that target remains unfulfilled.
According to reports, the Nandapur Gram Nyayalaya has not become operational primarily due to the lack of a functional toilet. Though the Tehsildar of Nandapur had identified and provided land for a permanent court building, construction is still incomplete.
Meanwhile, as per a proposal submitted by a joint inspection team of District and High Court Judges, the State Government had approved Rs26 lakh for the establishment of a temporary court setup at Sunabeda under the RW Department. Based on that, a portion of the old Nandapur Block Office was renovated to include a court hall, administrative office, and lawyers’ chamb er.
Electrical work has already been completed, according to engineer Asim Minj. However, due to the lack of essential drinking water and toilet facilities from the RW-PH Department, the court remains non-functional. This was confirmed by the local bar association.
This situation raises questions about the implementation of Government Notification No. 7354(24)/XVIII-02/2016, under which 65 rural courts were to be opened across the state by the Odisha High Court.
The hopes of justice for local residents—including the police, excise, and revenue departments—have been dampened due to the inoperability of the court. Intellectuals have urged the District Administration, Law Department, and RW Department to look into the matter seriously.