Understanding the Minimum Number of Judges for Constitutional Cases
In the context of High Courts in India, the minimum number of judges required to hear a constitutional case is crucial for ensuring fair and balanced judicial proceedings.
Significance of Two Judges
- The Constitution of India mandates that certain significant matters must be handled by more than one judge to maintain judicial integrity and prevent arbitrary decisions.
- Having at least two judges allows for a more diverse interpretation of the law, leading to comprehensive deliberation on constitutional issues.
Constitutional Provisions
- Article 145 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Supreme Court and High Courts to make rules regarding the composition of benches.
- It often stipulates that cases involving substantial questions of law or constitutional validity should be referred to a division bench, which typically consists of at least two judges.
Benefits of a Two-Judge Bench
- Checks and Balances: The presence of two judges ensures that there is a check on individual biases and promotes collaborative decision-making.
- Enhanced Deliberation: Complex constitutional matters benefit from the varied perspectives of multiple judges, leading to more nuanced judgments.
- Precedent Setting: Decisions made by a bench of two judges can create significant precedents, influencing future cases and the interpretation of laws.
Conclusion
In summary, option 'B' is correct because at least two judges are required to hear constitutional cases in a High Court, ensuring fairness, integrity, and thoroughness in judicial proceedings.