Among the British and Indian judicial luminaries who served as Krishna district Judges, G. Chakradhara Rao, the 100th Judge, had a fascination with William Augustus Dobbyn’s bungalow, a construction marvel, which was transformed into the Krishna district court complex in this port town.
Glorious history“The day I learnt about the glorious history of the Dobbyn’s bungalow built in 1790, I started exploring every aspect of the construction and felt the immediate need to renovate the library to preserve the several original copies of the historical judgements related to Jamindars of Krishna district and others. It will soon be realised”, Mr. Rao told The Hindu . Like him, many locals are curious to know the direct underground route from the judge’s office to his bungalow, located close by.
Planting saplingsAs part of a green plan to beautify the surroundings of the Dobbyn’s Bungalow, practising lawyers here were said to be involved in planting a few hundred saplings on the premises of this court complex.
Referring to the Judge’s bungalow, yet another Indo-British construction marvel, Mr. Rao says he yearns to spend time here as “I am bowled over by its architectural beauty. I will cherish every moment such as posing for a photograph with a portrait of the George-V to walking on the wooden staircases and a view of the Bandar town from the top of the bungalow.”
The old bungalow is vacant now but Mr. Rao has taken a promise from its caretaker, Vasu Appa Rao, to keep the building and its surroundings clean and green and hand over the place in good condition to the next occupant.
“I have done my best to make my fellow officers and staff realise that their contribution to the environment and conservation of the historically rich court buildings is very significant, during my stint as the District Judge,” says Mr. Rao.
He assumed the office in April 2013 and retired from service last month.
