ABOUT DISTRICT COURT
History of Sambalpur Judgeship
Sambalpur is known as the “Heart of Western Odisha” The history of Sambalpur is enriched with glorious heritage, culture, and tradition. The presence of the Judiciary in Sambalpur dates back to a very early period, which can be traced through the historical evolution of the region.
At the beginning of the 20th Century, the Bengal Presidency was a vast province comprising the present states of Assam, Bihar, and Odisha. In the year 1910, the Manbhum–Sambalpur Judgeship & Sessions Divisionwas established consisting of the districts of Manbhum, Singhbhum, and Sambalpur with its headquarters at Purulia in Bihar under the jurisdiction of the Calcutta High Court. During that period, the District & Sessions Judge used to visit Sambalpur once every fortnight for holding Circuit Court.
On 09-02-1916, the Patna High Court was established and Odisha was brought under its jurisdiction. The Court room of the District Magistrate at Sambalpur was opened during the year 1924-25, when F.C. King was serving as the Deputy Commissioner of Sambalpur.
After the formation of a separate State of Orissa in the year 1936, a new Judgeship namely District & Sessions Judge, Cuttack–Sambalpur came into existence with its headquarters at Cuttack under the jurisdiction of the Patna High Court.
Subsequently, after the establishment of the Orissa High Court at Cuttack on 26-07-1948, a separate Judgeship namely Sambalpur–Sundergarh Judgeship was created in the year 1948with headquarters at Sambalpur.
On 1st May 1961, the historic separation of Judiciary from the Executive took place. Thereafter, the Sundergarh Judgeship was bifurcated from Sambalpur Judgeship on 01-04-1978.
Following the bifurcation of Revenue Districts in Odisha from 13 to 30, there arose a necessity for creation of additional Judgeships in the State. Consequently, the Judgeship of Bargarh was bifurcated on 12-07-2011, the Judgeship of Jharsugudaon 24-09-2011, and the Judgeship of Deogarhon 20-04-2013 from the parent Sambalpur Judgeship.