Supreme Court Orders Probe into Missing Case Records, Flags ‘Trend’ of Vanishing Proceedings
Bench of CJI Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi Express Concern
Secretary General Asked to Conduct Fact-Finding Inquiry
By Legal Reporter
New Delhi: February 22, 2026:
In a rare and serious move, the Supreme Court of India has ordered a probe into the disappearance of case records from its files, noting that missing proceedings have become a “common issue”. The Court directed its Secretary General to conduct a fact‑finding inquiry after discovering that an important order dated September 8, 2025, in a case related to a proposed tiger reserve in Goa was missing from the case file.
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The incident has raised alarm about the integrity of judicial records and the functioning of the Court’s Registry, with the bench hinting at possible deliberate attempts behind the trend.
Background of the Case
- The matter involved proceedings on the proposed tiger reserve in Goa.
- While reviewing the case, the bench found that its own order from September 2025 was missing from the paper book.
- The Court observed that such lapses were not isolated but part of a recurring pattern.
- Concerned about the implications, the bench ordered a probe to determine how such crucial documents vanish from official records.
Supreme Court’s Observations
The bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul Pancholi made strong remarks:
- Missing records have become a “common everyday occurrence.”
- The Registry appears to be following a “trend” of missing records.
- There may be a deliberate attempt for obvious reasons, the Court hinted.
- Judicial integrity depends on the sanctity of records, and any compromise undermines the justice system.
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The Order
- The Court directed its Secretary General to conduct a fact‑finding inquiry.
- The inquiry will examine how records disappear and whether systemic lapses or deliberate tampering are involved.
- The Court stressed that accountability must be fixed to prevent recurrence.
Wider Implications
This ruling has significant implications for judicial administration in India:
- Integrity of records: Missing case files undermine trust in the judiciary.
- Accountability of Registry: The probe may lead to reforms in record‑keeping and stricter monitoring.
- Transparency in justice: Ensuring complete and accurate records is essential for fair adjudication.
Past Judicial Concerns
The judiciary has previously flagged issues of record management:
- Courts have stressed that records are the backbone of justice delivery.
- In earlier cases, missing files have delayed proceedings and raised suspicion of tampering.
- The latest order is one of the strongest steps taken to address the issue at the Supreme Court level.
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Expert Views
Legal experts reacted strongly to the development:
- “This is unprecedented. If records can go missing at the Supreme Court, it raises serious questions about judicial administration,” said a senior advocate.
- Analysts believe the probe could lead to digitisation and stricter oversight of case records.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s order for a probe into missing case records is a landmark step in safeguarding judicial integrity. By acknowledging the trend and hinting at possible deliberate attempts, the Court has sent a strong message that lapses in record‑keeping will not be tolerated. The outcome of the inquiry could pave the way for reforms in judicial administration, ensuring transparency and accountability in India’s highest court.
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