LI Network
Published on: February 11, 2024 at 12:31 IST
The Supreme Court has, for now, thrown cold water on the proposal for establishing regional benches across the country. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, responding to a query in Parliament, revealed the Court’s stance, stating that they see no current need for such branches.
This comes in response to a recent recommendation by a parliamentary panel advocating for regional benches to make justice more accessible to citizens. While acknowledging the panel’s suggestion, Meghwal clarified that the Court itself has expressed reservations, citing concerns about maintaining national unity and judicial consistency.
The issue of regional benches has been a subject of debate for years, with proponents arguing it would ease burdens on the overburdened court system and make justice more affordable for individuals residing far from Delhi. However, opponents raise concerns about potential conflicts in rulings across different benches and a possible dilution of the Court’s national authority.
Further complicating the matter is the ongoing sub-judice nature of a related writ petition filed in the Supreme Court itself. This means the final verdict on the feasibility of regional benches remains pending a definitive judicial pronouncement.
Key Points:
- Supreme Court expresses no current need for regional benches.
- Concerns cited include potential threats to national unity and judicial consistency.
- Parliamentary panel recommendation acknowledged but weighed against Court’s reservations.
- Final decision on regional benches awaits resolution of sub-judice writ petition.