The Supreme Court has expressed strong concern over what it sees as a growing pattern of newly constituted benches overturning decisions delivered by earlier benches. During a recent hearing, the Court noted that parties who are dissatisfied with existing judgments often attempt to approach a different bench after the composition of the Court changes, hoping for a more favourable ruling. The judges warned that this practice undermines judicial stability and weakens the authority of the Court.
The bench observed that once the Supreme Court has settled an issue, that decision is meant to bring finality. Reopening matters simply because a later bench may interpret the issue differently disrupts the certainty that the legal system depends on. The Court emphasized that the strength of judicial authority does not lie in revisiting decisions repeatedly but in ensuring consistency and predictability for litigants and the broader public.
Pointing to Article 141 of the Constitution, the judges reiterated that the law declared by the Supreme Court is binding on all courts, and cannot be casually revisited by successor benches unless extraordinary grounds exist. The Court stressed that review or curative petitions are the proper methods for challenging previous rulings, not strategic attempts to place the matter before a different bench.
In the matter before it, the Court declined to reconsider bail conditions set earlier, remarking that the attempt to reopen the issue was triggered not by any legal flaw but by a change in the bench’s composition. Such conduct, the Court cautioned, erodes trust in the system and could set a damaging precedent if allowed to continue unchecked.
The Supreme Court has given a clear indication that the judicial discipline and finality must be preserved, and also that reversing previously decided cases should remain an exception rather than becoming a trend.
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