Authority of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) to Appoint Other Places as Seat of Supreme Court

The Constitution of India provides the Chief Justice of India (CJI) with the authority to appoint other places as the seat of the Supreme Court. However, this decision can only be made with the approval of the President of India. Let us delve into the details of this provision and understand its significance.

Constitutional Provision

Article 130 of the Constitution of India empowers the CJI to appoint other places, in addition to the permanent seat of the Supreme Court in Delhi, as the seat of the court. This provision allows for the establishment of benches of the Supreme Court in different parts of the country.

Approval of the President

While the CJI has the authority to appoint other places as the seat of the Supreme Court, this decision requires the approval of the President of India. The President's approval is essential to ensure that the establishment of benches in different locations is in line with the constitutional framework and the overall functioning of the judiciary.

Significance

The provision granting the CJI the authority to appoint other places as the seat of the Supreme Court holds significant importance for the efficient functioning of the judiciary. It allows for the decentralization of the court's operations and brings justice closer to the people residing in different parts of the country. Some of the key benefits of establishing benches in various locations include:

1. Accessibility: By setting up benches in different areas, individuals from remote regions can access the Supreme Court more easily. This ensures that justice is not limited to a particular geographical location and that the court's services are more accessible to all citizens.

2. Reduced Case Burden: The establishment of benches in different places helps alleviate the case burden on the main seat in Delhi. This allows for a more efficient processing of cases and quicker resolution of legal matters.

3. Regional Representation: The presence of benches in different regions ensures that the Supreme Court has a wider reach and representation. It provides an opportunity for diverse perspectives and regional issues to be addressed by the court.

4. Empowering Local Judiciary: The establishment of Supreme Court benches in different places strengthens the local judiciary and legal infrastructure. It promotes the development of legal expertise in various regions and enhances the overall legal system of the country.

In conclusion, the Chief Justice of India has the authority, as per Article 130 of the Constitution, to appoint other places as the seat of the Supreme Court. However, this decision necessitates the approval of the President. The provision holds immense significance in terms of accessibility, case management, regional representation, and empowering the local judiciary.