Can’t defy order: SC raps Registry over case deletion

The Supreme Court has placed its own Registry under scrutiny, directing it to explain why cases are being unilaterally deleted from the cause list without informing the judges beforehand. A bench comprising justices Abhay S Oka and N Kotiswar Singh issued the directive on Wednesday, expressing concern over the Registry’s failure to follow established procedures. In December 2024, a justice Oka-led bench admonished the Registry for failing to list six petitions despite explicit directions from the court. Justice Oka’s order stated: “When there is an order of the Court directing listing of the cases specifically assigned to that Bench, the Registry cannot defy the order and refuse to list the cases on the ground that there was non-compliance with procedural aspects.” The judge held that the Supreme Court Rules, 2013, does not empower the Registry to disregard court directions. Similarly, in September 2024, justice Oka questioned the Registry’s unilateral decision to advance a hearing date without judicial authorisation, demanding a report explaining this deviation.