Supreme Court Raps Registry for Listing Same Case Before Different Benches
Judges Warn Against Conflicting Orders Due to Administrative Lapses
Registry Asked to Fix Responsibility and Report to Chief Justice
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: January 24, 2026:
In a stern rebuke highlighting the importance of judicial discipline, the Supreme Court of India has pulled up its Registry for listing petitions arising from the same impugned order before different benches. The Court observed that such lapses could result in conflicting judicial orders, duplication of effort, and erosion of public confidence in the judicial system.
The matter came up before a bench of Justices Rajesh Bindal and Atul S. Chandurkar, which discovered that petitions filed by co-accused in the same case had been listed before separate benches, despite being connected to the same Allahabad High Court order.
Background of the Case
- The Origin: The case stemmed from an Allahabad High Court order cancelling bail granted to two men accused in a criminal matter.
- Two Petitions: Both accused filed separate petitions in the Supreme Court challenging the same impugned order.
- Registry’s Error: One petition was listed before the bench led by Justice B.V. Nagarathna, which had already issued notice and stayed the High Court’s order. The other was listed before the bench of Justices Bindal and Chandurkar.
- Court’s Concern: The judges noted that listing connected matters before different benches could lead to contradictory rulings.
Court’s Observations
The Supreme Court made several strong observations:
- Unacceptable Practice: Listing petitions from the same impugned order before different benches is unacceptable.
- Risk of Conflicting Orders: Such lapses could result in conflicting judicial directions, undermining the integrity of the judicial process.
- Fixing Responsibility: The Court directed that the Registry place complete facts before the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and fix responsibility for the lapse.
- Transfer of Petition: The later-listed petition was ordered to be placed before the bench already seized of the matter, subject to the CJI’s approval.
Why This Ruling Matters
- Judicial Discipline: The ruling reinforces the importance of consistency and discipline in judicial proceedings.
- Administrative Accountability: It highlights the need for accountability within the Registry to prevent procedural errors.
- Public Confidence: Ensuring that connected matters are heard together strengthens public trust in the judiciary.
- Legal Clarity: The judgment clarifies that Registry officials must exercise greater care in listing petitions.
Wider Implications
- For Litigants: Petitioners can expect greater consistency in how connected matters are handled.
- For Lawyers: The ruling underscores the importance of pointing out administrative lapses that could affect outcomes.
- For Registry Officials: The judgment serves as a warning that lapses will not be tolerated and responsibility will be fixed.
- For Judiciary: It strengthens the principle that judicial efficiency and consistency are paramount.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s rebuke of its Registry for listing petitions from the same impugned order before different benches is a landmark reminder of the importance of judicial discipline and administrative accountability. By directing that responsibility be fixed and the matter placed before the Chief Justice of India, the Court has ensured that such lapses are not repeated.
This ruling will likely serve as a precedent for stricter oversight of Registry functions, reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to consistency, fairness, and public confidence.
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