Multiple FIRs Against Same Person In Different States : Supreme Court Suggests A Mechanism Similar To United States Judicial Panel On Multidistrict Litigation

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court suggested establishing a mechanism similar to the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation set up in the United States of America to, inter alia, resolve matters in which multiple FIR's are registered against a particular person in multiple States. Power to order cases to be tried in different sessions divisions.—Notwithstanding anything contained in the preceding provisions of this Chapter, the State Government may direct that any cases or class of cases committed for trial in any district may be tried in any sessions division: Provided that such direction is not repugnant to any direction previously issued by the High Court or the Supreme Court under the Constitution, or under this Code or any other law for the time being in force." High Court to decide, in case of doubt, district where inquiry or trial shall take place.—Where two or more Courts have taken cognizance of the same offence and a question arises as to which of them ought to inquire into or try that offence, the question shall be decided- if the Courts are subordinate to the same High Court, by that High Court; if the Courts are not subordinate to the same High Court, by the High Court within the local limits of whose appellate criminal jurisdiction the proceedings were first commenced, and thereupon all other proceedings in respect of that offence shall be discontinued." High Court to decide, in case of doubt, district where inquiry or trial shall take place.- Where two or more Courts have taken cognizance of the same offence and a question arises as to which of them ought to inquire into or try that offence, the question shall be decided -- if the Courts are subordinate to the same High Court, by that High Court; if the Courts are not subordinate to the same High Court, by the High Court within the local limits of whose appellate criminal jurisdiction the proceedings were first commenced, and thereupon all other proceedings in respect of that offence shall be discontinued." Mr. Sibal emphasised that the State Government has the power to "collect a class of offences and try them before the Sessions Court".