SC weighs SOP for urgent cases affecting life, liberty; seeks reduced response time
The Supreme Court is considering framing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure continuous judicial accessibility for urgent cases affecting life and liberty, such as illegal detentions, imminent demolitions, and custodial violence. The petition, filed by advocate Maheravish Rein, highlighted that courts cannot afford to close when fundamental rights are at stake. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant suggested a response time of within an hour for urgent mentions. Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta proposed that the SOP be prepared on the administrative side of the Supreme Court.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court is considering an SOP for urgent cases involving life and liberty to ensure continuous judicial accessibility.
- The petitioner highlighted that the absence of such a mechanism leads to irreversible consequences, especially with late-night arrests and demolitions.
- Chief Justice of India Surya Kant suggested a response time of within an hour for urgent mentions.
- The Solicitor-General proposed that the SOP be prepared by the Supreme Court on its administrative side.
- Justice Joymalya Bagchi noted that digital access to justice through e-filing already exists, and a graded approach to after-hours access is not a denial of justice.
Exam Facts
- Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant headed the three-judge Bench.
- The petition was filed by advocate Maheravish Rein.
- Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta represented the State.
- The discussion centered on ensuring access to justice for cases affecting life and liberty.
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