History

Before 1818, Seoni region was in the kingdom of Marathi (Bhonsle Raja of Nagpur). During the time of Bhonsals, Riot Court (Kamavisdar) and Zamindar Patel used to provide justice. Kamavisdars either took decisions themselves or handed over cases to Nyaya Panchayats for decision.

Patels had no right to interfere in civil matters. The eminent persons of the village or area had the right to settle civil cases in the Panchayat, there was no written provision for this. Later the riot officers started writing the decision. The king used to hear appeals from these decisions.

In 1818, Seoni district came under ‘East India Company’. From 1818 to 1861, economic matters were decided by civil court judges. According to ‘CP Administrative Report, 1882’, Principal Sadar Amin and Munsif were deployed in Seoni district also for this purpose.

After the formation of Central Province (Madhya Pradesh) by the British Government in 1861, the posts of Principal Sadar Amin, Sadar Amin and Munsifs were abolished and ‘Civil Procedure Code, 1859’ was implemented. A Deputy Commissioner in each district, courts of Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Tehsildar and Naib Tehsildar were established in each Tehsil (section). At the divisional level, appeals were made to the Division Commissioner and the final appeal was made to the Judicial Commissioner of Nagpur.

The then Seoni district was divided into three sections – Seoni, Lakhnadon and Katangi. In 1872, major changes were made in the boundaries of Seoni district by the British rule. 51 villages bordering far south of Kurai Ghat were included in Ramtek tehsil, District-Nagpur.

The entire Katangi section, except 52 villages adjoining Seoni section, was included in Balaghat district. Adegaon taluka of Chhindwara district (except 10 villages) was merged into Lakhnadaun section. Subsequently, only Seoni and Lakhnadon tehsils (sections) were reorganized in Seoni district.