'Some teething problems, all judges on same page': CJI Lalit on listing of cases

New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) Chief Justice of India U.U. Lalit on Thursday said that teething problems are bound to arise in the new way of listing of cases in the apex court, but all judges are completely on the same page.

Earlier this week, a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court, in an order, said the new system of listing of cases in the apex court is not giving adequate time and pointed out that there are a number of matters within the span of "afternoon" session.

The bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Abhay S. Oka said: "The new listing system is not giving an adequate time to take up matters fixed for hearing like the present case as there are number of matters within the span of 'afternoon' session. List on 15.11.2022." The top court passed the order on Tuesday in a case titled Nagesh Chaudhary vs. UP and others.

In his felicitation ceremony by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), the CJI said: "Lot many things have been said about, many including listing and everything. Let me clarify, it is true we have taken this new style of, new way of listing. There are naturally bound to some teething problems. Whatever has been reported is not the correct state of affairs. We all judges are completely on the same page."

"In fact, as a matter of fact... till yesterday (29th) we began. Till yesterday, we could dispose of more than 5,000 matters, 5,200 to be precise, as against filing which was just about 1,135 (cases). So, fresh filing is 1,135 and disposal is 5,200. It is all possible due to efforts put in by my brother and sister judges, and all of you the members of the Bar."

The Chief Justice added that it is true that as a result of this changeover, there have been certain occasions, where perhaps the matters got listed at 11th hour with shortest possible notice that created an additional amount of workload on the judges and for the advocates.

He said he is really indebted to all his brother and sister judges for discharging their duties with a smiling face. "That is the reason, we have been able to dispose of 5,200 matters as against 1,135 filing, which means we are able to reduce the arrears by say 4000. Many matters were pending, they had become more or less infructuous, so they had to be disposed of, so we got them listed and results are before you," he added.

"It was my dream, one day I will be the judge of this court, my wife was always aware of that... so there was no need to consult her when the actual call came... when Justice Lodha offered me, I did not even consult my wife."