(a) whether the Union Government has received proposals from various State Governments and
others for setting up of regional benches of the Supreme Court and High Courts in the States;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the follow up action taken thereon?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE (Dr. M. VEERAPPA MOILY)
(a) to (c): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
Statement referred to in reply to Parts (a), (h) and (c) of the Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 297
for 15.04.2010
(a), (b) & (c) : A statement showing the proposals received for setting up benches of the Supreme Court
and the High Courts is placed at Annexure-I.
Article 130 of the Constitution provides that the Supreme Court shall sit in Delhi or in such other places,
as the Chief Justice of India may, with the approval of the President, from time to time, appoint.
The Chief Justice of India informed that after consideration of the matter, the Fuli Court in its meeting
held on 18th February, 2010 found no justification for setting up of Benches of the Supreme Court outside
Delhi.
The setting up of a Permanent Bench of a .High Court is considered by the Government only after receipt
of a complete proposal, in terms of section 51(2) of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, from the State
Government which has the consent of the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court and the Governor of the
State. The Government had approved in the year 2006 setting up of a Bench of the Calcutta High Court at
Jalpaiguri. However, the Presidential Order has not been issued yet as the infrastructural facilities at
Jalpaiguri for operation of the Bench have not been found satisfactory by the Chief Justice of the Calcutta
High Court. While requests have been received from some other State Governments and private organisations
for creation of Benches of the High Courts away from principal seat, no complete proposal has been received
for establishment of a Bench from any of the State Governments.