Breaking SUPREME COURT REAFFIRMS PUBLIC DOMAIN PROTECTION FOR DIGITAL LAWS
New Delhi · Saturday, 12 September 2026 9888666310 | [email protected]
Free Law — free judgments and free headnotes Free Lawby De Jure
Legal News 03 May 2023

Judgments delivered by the SC are the ‘law of the land’ and there is no question of anyone violating the principles laid down: Supreme Court

2 मई 2023 को उच्चतम न्यायालय (Supreme Court) ने कहा कि उसके निर्णय देश का कानून (law of the land) हैं और इनका उल्लंघन नहीं किया जा सकता, तथा उच्च न्यायालय (High Court) का यह कर्तव्य है कि वह अनुपालन (compliance) सुनिश्चित करे।

On May 02, 2023, the Supreme Court (SC) of India stated that the judgments delivered by the bench hearing the matter are the “law of the land” and there is no question of anyone violating the principles laid down in the verdicts. The case was heard by a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court including Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul. These observations were made when the July last year verdict was addressed where various directions were passed. The SC bench further said that “A judgment of this court, including the one in Antil’s case is the law of the land. There is no question of anyone violating the principles laid down. Suffice for us today that wherever this judgment is applicable, the principles have to be followed.” 

It was further mentioned by the top Court that a large number of cases are arising where the grievances are that verdicts are not being followed. In this context, the bench opined “We consider that this order should be placed before the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court to ensure that there is sufficient dissemination of information…” During the proceedings, the Supreme Court bench said that “We also make it clear that henceforth, we will not entertain any such applications and the registry should not list any such applications before us as the purpose of keeping this matter alive is only to see that the implementation takes place in the larger perspective.” Moreover, the SC remarked while dealing with the aspect of compliance that it is the duty of the High Court to ensure that in case of non-compliance appropriate measures or steps are taken or not. 

Have a legal problem? Ask a lawyer — free.
Post your question and verified advocates near you can respond. No charge to ask.
Ask your question free →

1. Are Supreme Court judgments binding as the law of the land?
Yes, the Supreme Court stated that judgments delivered by its bench, including the verdict in Antil's case, are the law of the land and the principles laid down must be followed wherever applicable.
2. Who were the judges on the Supreme Court bench that issued this statement?
The observations were made by a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul.
3. What is the High Court's duty regarding compliance with Supreme Court verdicts?
The Supreme Court remarked that it is the duty of the High Court to ensure that appropriate measures or steps are taken in cases of non-compliance.
4. Will the Supreme Court entertain individual non-compliance applications?
No, the Supreme Court clarified that it will not entertain such applications henceforth as the matter is kept alive only to ensure implementation from a larger perspective.