Cuttack: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the state-of-the-art Centre for Judicial Archives under the aegis of the High Court of Orissa on Saturday.
This landmark initiative is aimed at preserving and conserving the judicial and legal history of Odisha, safeguarding invaluable records of the High Court and district courts across the state.
The ceremony, held in the High Court of Orissa, witnessed the presence of Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh, Chief Justice of the High Court, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, Companion Judges of the High Court, and other eminent dignitaries, including Advocate General Pitambar Acharya and Deputy Solicitor General Prasanna Kumar Parhi. Senior advocates, High Court Bar Association members, and government officials also graced the event.
Delivering the keynote address, CM Majhi lauded the initiative as a preserver of judicial records and cultural heritage, commending its potential to inspire future generations. “The Centre will not only preserve judicial records but also serve as a cultural treasure trove. The Odisha Government remains committed to extending financial, administrative, and technological support to such visionary projects,” he said.
The Centre, established on May 10, 2022, has already preserved approximately 75,000 judicial records predating 1950. Out of these, over 4,132 files—comprising nearly 84,888 sheets—have been scientifically conserved, while 1,151 files have been digitized.
Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh emphasized the significance of the Centre in his inaugural address, highlighting its role in protecting endangered historical records that had previously lacked systematic preservation. He remarked that the Archive is not just a facility for legal professionals but a resource for marginalized communities to connect with their history.
Dr. Justice Sanjeeb Kumar Panigrahi, Judge, High Court of Orissa, in his welcome address, described the Centre as a bridge between eras. Quoting Thomas Jefferson and Lord Acton, he stated, “History is not a burden but an illumination of the soul. The preservation of judicial records ensures transparency, accountability, and a deeper understanding of democracy.”
The Centre’s mission includes compiling Odisha’s judicial history into a series of volumes. The first volume, released in 2023, uncovered untold stories of Odisha’s legal past, while the second volume is set to be released soon.
Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, in his address, described the Centre as a torchbearer for not only Odisha but the entire nation. He emphasized the importance of preserving historical documents for fostering accountability and justice.
Justice Sashikanta Mishra, in his vote of thanks, acknowledged the vision of Dr. Justice S. Muralidhar, former Chief Justice of the High Court of Orissa, and the contributions of INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) in conservation efforts.
Funded with an allocation of Rs 38 crore, the Centre is poised to set new benchmarks in archival practices, ensuring that the rich judicial history of Odisha remains accessible and preserved for generations to come.
