1. Introduction
The Andhra Law Times stands as one of the most respected and longstanding legal journals in India. Since its inception in the early 1950s, it has carved a unique space in the realm of Indian legal journalism. Known for its in-depth and timely reporting of judicial decisions from the Supreme Court of India and the High Courts—especially the High Court of Andhra Pradesh—this journal serves as an indispensable reference for legal professionals, students, and academicians. Its goal has always been to simplify complex legal issues while maintaining accuracy and relevance.
2. Historical Background
The journey of Andhra Law Times began in 1954, a landmark year that also witnessed the formation of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh. With this, there was an urgent need for a dedicated and reliable medium to document and disseminate legal rulings and interpretations. ALT emerged to fill this gap effectively. It started as a humble weekly reporting platform and grew into a nationally recognized legal publication.
Initially, the journal focused solely on reporting decisions from the Andhra Pradesh High Court. However, as its popularity and credibility grew, it expanded its coverage to include decisions from the Supreme Court and other High Courts across India. Over the years, the journal maintained its commitment to clarity, legal accuracy, and timely reporting.
3. Founders and Leadership
A key figure in the evolution of Andhra Law Times was Shri L.D. Gogia. A visionary in the field of legal publishing, Gogia recognized the importance of making legal knowledge accessible to both practitioners and students. Under his leadership, ALT transformed from a regional journal to a nationally respected legal publication.
The publishing house behind ALT, Asia Law House, played a crucial role in its growth. Based in Hyderabad, Asia Law House became synonymous with quality legal content, producing books, digests, and journals used by law colleges and courts across India. After Shri L.D. Gogia, the legacy was carried forward by his son, Sri Manohar Gogia, who modernized the publication while retaining its scholarly essence.
4. Publication and Editions
Over the decades, Andhra Law Times expanded its horizons to address the diverse needs of the legal community. Today, it is available in multiple formats and editions, each catering to a specific area of law. These editions include:
Edition Name | Focus Area | Frequency |
---|---|---|
Andhra Law Times (Main) | Supreme Court & Andhra Pradesh HC rulings | Weekly |
ALT (Criminal) | Criminal case laws and judgments | Monthly |
ALT (Revenue) | Revenue laws and land dispute cases | Monthly |
ALT (Legislative Supplement) | State and Central legislation updates | Quarterly |
Andhra Weekly Reporter (AWR) | Motor Accidents and Civil Appeals | Weekly |
These editions provide a holistic view of Indian law, ensuring that no major ruling or development goes unnoticed. The journal is widely subscribed to by law firms, advocates, judges, students, and libraries across India.
5. Content and Features
One of the standout features of Andhra Law Times is its well-curated and reader-friendly content. Every issue of the journal is thoughtfully compiled with the following elements:
- Judgment Reports – Comprehensive yet concise presentations of significant verdicts from the Supreme Court and various High Courts.
- Headnotes – These are short summaries provided before each case report, giving readers a quick understanding of the judgment’s legal principles.
- Editorial Commentary – Occasional expert opinions and editorials that analyze landmark rulings and policy changes.
- Legal Articles – Contributions from legal scholars and practitioners on contemporary legal issues.
- Case Digest Indexing – A systematic index that allows quick referencing of cases by citation or subject.
This structured approach makes the journal not only a source of news but also an educational tool.
6. Digital Transformation
In response to the digital shift in legal education and research, Andhra Law Times embraced technology. The publication launched its online portal, allowing readers to access legal content on desktops, tablets, and smartphones. The digital version includes:
- Searchable databases of past and recent judgments
- Downloadable PDFs of issues
- Email newsletters and alerts
- Bookmarking and case law categorization tools
This move has significantly improved accessibility and ensured that ALT remains relevant in the digital age.
7. Recognition and Endorsements
Andhra Law Times has earned praise from legal luminaries, including sitting and retired judges of various High Courts. Its judgments are frequently cited in court proceedings and academic discussions, making it a trusted reference.
In fact, several High Courts, including the High Court of Andhra Pradesh, have officially recommended ALT as a reliable legal resource for use in their law libraries and by practicing advocates. It is this endorsement from the judiciary that further cements ALT’s credibility.
8. Educational and Professional Impact
The contribution of Andhra Law Times to the Indian legal ecosystem goes beyond publishing. It acts as a bridge between theoretical learning and practical application. For students, it serves as a tool to understand how laws are interpreted and applied. For professionals, it becomes a quick reference for citations and legal precedents.
Moreover, the journal offers internship opportunities to law students interested in legal writing, editing, and case law analysis. Many aspiring advocates and judicial aspirants have relied on ALT for their preparation.
Who Benefits from Andhra Law Times?
Category | Benefits |
---|---|
Law Students | Learning case laws, citations, and judgment structures |
Advocates | Quick reference for legal arguments and case preparation |
Judges | Reliable source of precedents and legal interpretations |
Researchers/Scholars | Insightful commentary and comprehensive legal archives |
Law Colleges | Teaching aid and reference material for classroom discussions |
9. Subscription and Access
Andhra Law Times offers various subscription models tailored to different readers. Subscriptions can be made for physical copies, digital access, or both. Law firms and academic institutions can opt for bulk or institutional subscriptions.
Additional resources such as legal digests, annual compilations, and practice-specific journals are available on demand. Interested readers and institutions can subscribe through the official website or authorized distributors.
Subscription Type | Duration | Format | Includes |
---|---|---|---|
Student Plan | 6 months | Digital only | Access to all editions + archives |
Professional Plan | 1 year | Print + Digital | Weekly issues + digests + case indexing |
Institutional Plan | 1-3 years | Customizable | Multiple logins + bulk delivery + support |
10. Conclusion
Andhra Law Times is not just a legal journal—it is an institution. With decades of consistent service to India’s legal community, it has built a reputation for excellence, clarity, and reliability. Whether it’s a newly enrolled law student, a senior advocate, or a High Court judge, ALT continues to be a valued companion in understanding and navigating the Indian legal system.
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