Introduction
Andhra Law Times, commonly abbreviated as ALT, stands as one of the most respected legal reporting journals in India, particularly serving the legal fraternity in Andhra Pradesh. Since its inception in 1954, it has built a legacy of excellence in publishing reliable and timely legal judgments and interpretations. ALT is widely referred to by lawyers, judges, legal scholars, and students for its in-depth coverage of High Court and Supreme Court decisions.
Publication Editions & Variants
The Andhra Law Times is published in multiple formats, each catering to a specific branch of law. These editions are:
- ALT (Fortnightly): This is the general edition published every two weeks. It includes the most recent and relevant judgments from the Andhra Pradesh High Court and other significant legal updates.
- ALT (Criminal): This edition is specially curated for criminal law practitioners. It includes judgments that interpret key provisions of criminal law statutes like the Indian Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code.
- ALT (Revenue): Focused on land and revenue cases, this edition is essential for legal professionals dealing with land disputes, tenancy issues, and property-related laws.
- ALT (Supplement): This edition includes legislative updates, amendments, and new legal rules. It’s beneficial for staying current with regulatory changes.
- Andhra Weekly Reporter (AWR): Published weekly, it often includes judgments related to motor accident claims, insurance, and public interest litigations.
Content Structure
The content in Andhra Law Times is meticulously structured to provide maximum value to its readers. Each edition includes:
- Headnotes summarizing the core issues of the case
- Full Text Judgments providing the actual wording of judicial decisions
- Statutory References linking decisions to specific laws or legal provisions
- Case Law References cross-referencing older judgments to help in legal research
All cases are organized in a reader-friendly format, often arranged alphabetically by party names or grouped act-wise. Each volume ends with a detailed index and table of cases, making it easy to locate relevant information.
Annual Volumes & Digests
Andhra Law Times is not limited to periodic editions. Each year, the journal compiles an annual digest that covers key judgments and interpretations across various domains. For example, the ALT 2022 edition comes in six separate volumes covering a broad spectrum of legal areas. Each volume is indexed, cross-referenced, and organized to allow seamless legal research.
In addition to the primary editions, ALT also publishes comprehensive digests such as the “ALT Digest 2022 Vol. 36,” which spans over 1,200 pages. These digests serve as essential tools for legal practitioners preparing for trials, appeals, or academic examinations.
Indexing & Research Features
A standout feature of Andhra Law Times is its robust indexing and advanced search tools. With digital access increasingly becoming the norm, ALT now supports:
- Act-Wise Search
- Citation Search
- Party Name Search
- Judge-Wise Search
- Case Number Search
- Topical Search by Legal Issues
- Maxims and Doctrines Index
The digital database ensures that legal professionals can find relevant case law within seconds. This functionality is particularly useful in courtrooms or while drafting legal documents where quick referencing is crucial.
Geographic Reach & Audience
Though Andhra Law Times is primarily focused on Andhra Pradesh, its influence extends beyond the state. It is frequently referenced in courts across neighboring states like Telangana, Karnataka, Orissa, and Kerala. Its readership includes:
- Advocates practicing in High Courts and District Courts
- Judges relying on ALT’s accurate reporting for precedents
- Law professors and students referencing case law in academia
Its deep penetration into the regional legal ecosystem makes it a staple in law chambers, legal libraries, and courtrooms.
Subscription & Access
ALT is available both in print and digital formats. Subscribers can choose:
| Subscription Type | Coverage | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Fortnightly Print | All general legal judgments | ₹3,500/year |
| Annual Volume Set (6) | Comprehensive yearly coverage | ₹7,350/year |
| Digital Access | Searchable database & PDFs | Varies |
The flexibility in access ensures that whether you’re a senior advocate or a law student, there’s an option suited to your needs.
Citation Standards
In legal writing, Andhra Law Times is cited using standard abbreviations such as ALT, ALT (Crl.), or ALT (Rev.). For instance:
Chandra v. Union of India, 1992 1 ALT 713
This form of citation is accepted in legal drafts, research papers, and court pleadings across India.
Editorial & Publishing Team
ALT was originally brought into prominence by visionary editors like L.D. Gogia, who emphasized accuracy, timeliness, and comprehensive coverage. Today, the publication continues to be maintained by a dedicated editorial team that upholds these standards.
Impact & Case Examples
Over the decades, Andhra Law Times has reported thousands of landmark cases. For instance, in S. Santhanam v. State of Andhra Pradesh, the court’s interpretation of criminal jurisprudence became a benchmark for similar cases. These reports not only help in legal practice but also in shaping public policy and judicial thinking.
Digital Transformation & Future Directions
ALT has embraced the digital age, offering its editions through an online portal that features a clean interface, powerful search tools, and downloadable formats. The move to digital not only increases accessibility but also ensures that legal professionals remain up to date even while working remotely or in real-time scenarios like court appearances.
Future plans include expanding the portal to include historical archives, commentaries, video briefings, and legal podcasts. These additions will make Andhra Law Times not just a journal, but a comprehensive legal research platform.
Conclusion
Andhra Law Times continues to be a cornerstone of legal literature in India. With its multi-edition publishing format, exhaustive digests, and evolving digital tools, it serves as an indispensable resource for anyone involved in the Indian legal system. Whether you’re drafting a legal brief, preparing for a case, or studying for exams, ALT provides the clarity, depth, and authenticity you need.
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