History of the District & Sessions Court, Kota

The history of the city dates back to the 12th century A.D. when the Hada Chieftain, Rao Deva, conquered the territory and founded Bundi and Hadoti. The south-eastern region of Rajasthan known as Hadoti comprises Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar and Kota — a treasure of history dating back several centuries.

The Independent State of Kota became a reality in 1631 when Rao Madho Singh, the second son of Rao Ratan of Bundi, was made the ruler by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Kota is situated on the banks of the Chambal River and has quickly emerged as an important industrial centre, boasting Asia’s largest fertilizer plant, precision instrument units and an atomic power station nearby.

Kota High Court (Historical)

During the last days of the rule of Maharao Ummed Singh II, the Mahakma Khas of Kota declared the establishment of Kota High Court vide order dated 07-12-1938. The Kota High Court started functioning from 01-01-1939. The first Chief Judge was Rai Bahadur Rambabu Saxena.

Lal Kothi — Heritage Courthouse

Since its inception, the District & Sessions Court, Kota was initially run at Jhala House, Surajpole, before moving to Lal Kothi — a heritage building constructed around AD 1870–75. Lal Kothi was a property of the erstwhile Kota state; after independence it was handed over to the Government of Rajasthan and the court has functioned from this property ever since.

Jurisdiction

The Sessions Court Kota has original criminal jurisdiction for serious criminal offences (sessions-triable crimes such as murder, robbery, dacoity) and appellate jurisdiction over orders of Magistrates. The Additional District Judge Courts handle civil appeals and family matters.

• Sessions trials for offences punishable with death, life imprisonment or imprisonment exceeding 7 years
• Appeals from orders of Judicial/Executive Magistrate Courts
• Bail applications in serious criminal matters
• Civil suits (original and appellate)
• Revenue appeals

How Advocate Prakhar Gupta Can Help

Advocate Prakhar Gupta (NALSAR alumnus, enrolled with Bar Council of Rajasthan) regularly appears before the District & Sessions Court Kota and all subordinate courts. Services include:

• Bail Applications — regular bail, anticipatory bail, interim bail
• Criminal Defence — trials for murder, theft, assault, POCSO, cyber crime
• Civil Suits — property disputes, injunctions, partition, specific performance
• Revenue Matters — land records, mutation, tenancy disputes
• Contempt, Revision & Appeals — challenging Magistrate orders