History

Vizianagaram district was formed on 1 June 1979, as per G.O.Ms.No.700/Revenue (U) Department, dated 15 May 1979 with some parts carved from the neighbouring districts of Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam. The Taluks of Vizianagaram, Gajapathinagaram, Srungavarapukota and a portion of Bheemunipatnam Taluk were transferred from the Visakhapatnam District. The Salur, Bobbili, Parvathipuram and Cheepurupalli Taluks from Srikakulam district were transferred to the new district.

According to the History, Vizianagaram Princely State was ruled by Pusapati Kings & Gajapati Maharajas. Maharaja Vijayarama Gajapati Raju was a notable King. The name is derived from its founder Vijayaram Raj who established a sovereign kingdom by claiming independence from the Kingdom of Jeypore in 1711. It formed alliances with the French and British East India Company to conquer the neighbouring principalities of Bobbili, Kurupam, Paralakhemundi and the kingdom of Jeypore. However, they fell out with the British and as a result were attacked and defeated in the Battle of Padmanabham. In 1754, Pusapati Vijaya Rama Gajapathi Raju, of the ruling family of Vizianagaram, made an alliance with the French, but a few years later the territory was ceded to the British.It remained under their control until independence in 1947.

The District Munsif Court has been introduced under section 9 of the Village Courts Act I of 1889 in Vizianagaram as one of the taluk of Vizagapatam District of Madras Presidency. Consequent to the formation of Vizianagaram Revenue District in the year 1979, the District Court, Vizianagaram was established in the year 1981. Sri D.Ramalingaswamy, who served as the 1st District Judge.

At present, there are 34 number of Courts functioning in the entire district. Out of which 7 are District & Sessions Courts, 4 are Senior Civil Judge’s Courts, 14 are Junior Civil Judge-cum Judicial Magistrate of First Class Courts, 1 is District Legal Service Authority, 1 is Permanent Lok Adalat and 7 are Special Judicial Magistrate of II-Class Courts, in 9 various Court Complexes.