Union law minister Sadanand Gowda told the Lok Sabha on Friday that until a separate High Court is constituted for Andhra Pradesh, the High Court of Judicature at Hyderabad will serve as the common HC for Telangana and AP.

Responding to a question by Anakapalli MP M. Srinivasa Rao on the floor of the House, Mr Gowda said the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, provides that a new High Court should be constituted for the state of Andhra Pradesh and the existing High Court will become the High Court for the state of Telangana.

It is responsibility of AP government to finalise the location for the new High Court. Mr Srinivasa Rao had sought to know the status of the establishment of new High Court for Andhra Pradesh as provided in the AP Act and whether the government was aware of agitation by advocates demanding separate High Courts for AP and Telangana.

Mr Gowda, in his reply, mentioned that the government is aware of the demands from various quarters for the early establishment of separate High Courts for both the states.

It is the responsibility of the AP government to finalise the location of the new HC and create infrastructure in consultation with Hyderabad HC.

Mr Gowda added that once the state government and HC take decision on all relevant aspects and necessary infrastructure is made available, the Union government will take immediate steps to issue necessary notification under relevant provisions of law. He also mentioned that the Centre had already addressed the Chief Justice of the HC and AP government in the matter.