In Brief
The Supreme Court clarified that the Chief Justice of India, like the Chief Justice of a High Court, is the master of the roster with exclusive power to constitute Benches and allocate cases. No Judge or Bench can direct the Chief Justice regarding Bench composition or self-allocate matters. When a Bench of two Judges doubts an earlier three-Judge Bench's decision, proper procedure requires referral to another three-Judge Bench first, not directly to a larger Bench. The Court held that principles established for High Courts apply equally to the Supreme Court to ensure orderly functioning of the institution.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.