The term ‘Master of the Roster’ refers to the authority of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) to allocate cases to various judges or benches within the Supreme Court. This exclusive power includes deciding which judge or bench will hear specific cases, ensuring an organized approach to judicial proceedings.
Since its establishment in 1950, the Supreme Court of India originally had eight judges who heard cases en banc, meaning all judges would participate in every case. However, as the number of judges increased, the need for smaller benches arose. This led to the development of the CJI's role as the ‘Master of the Roster’ to streamline case allocation.
The preparation of the roster is a collaborative effort between the CJI and the Supreme Court Registry, as outlined in Chapter Six of the Handbook of Practice and Procedure and Office Procedure 2017. The CJI directs the Registrar to draft the roster, assigning fresh cases to judges based on this framework. Although the CJI can amend allocations, the underlying reasons for specific assignments are not explicitly detailed.
The Handbook of Practice and Procedure and Office Procedure 2017 serves as a crucial guide for case allocation within the Supreme Court. It assigns the responsibility of preparing the roster to the Registrar under the CJI's orders. However, it does not provide substantial justification for the assignment of certain cases to particular judges or benches, focusing primarily on procedural guidelines.
The CJI's role as the Master of the Roster holds significant weight as it influences which judges hear important and sensitive cases. This power has raised concerns about potential biases in case outcomes, highlighting the need for efficient case management within the Supreme Court, which operates with a full strength of 34 judges.
Critics of the Master of the Roster system argue that it lacks transparency. There is no clear rationale provided for why specific judges are selected to hear particular cases. Some legal experts advocate for a more structured approach to case allocation to minimize the risk of misuse of this significant authority. This debate underscores the delicate balance between maintaining judicial independence and ensuring the effective functioning of the Court.
The Master of the Roster system has not been without controversy. In 2018, issues regarding case allocations sparked a discussion about implementing a more transparent system. Despite these challenges, the Supreme Court has consistently upheld the CJI's role as the final authority in case allocations, emphasizing its necessity for the Court's efficient operation.
Q1. What is the role of the Chief Justice of India regarding case allocation?
Answer: The Chief Justice of India (CJI) holds the exclusive authority to allocate cases to various judges or benches in the Supreme Court, ensuring organized judicial proceedings.
Q2. How is the roster for case allocation prepared?
Answer: The roster is prepared by the CJI in consultation with the Supreme Court Registry, outlining which judges will hear specific cases based on the Handbook of Practice and Procedure.
Q3. Why is the Master of the Roster significant?
Answer: The Master of the Roster is crucial as it determines which judges hear high-profile cases, impacting the judicial process and case outcomes within the Supreme Court.
Q4. What are the criticisms of the Master of the Roster system?
Answer: Critics argue that the system lacks transparency and clarity regarding the selection of judges for specific cases, raising concerns about potential biases.
Q5. Has the Master of the Roster faced any legal challenges?
Answer: Yes, the system has faced scrutiny, particularly in 2018, leading to discussions about the need for a more structured and transparent approach to case allocation.
Question 1: What does the term 'Master of the Roster' refer to?
A) Authority to hear all cases
B) Authority to allocate cases to judges
C) Authority to amend laws
D) Authority to oversee court decorum
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: When was the Supreme Court of India established?
A) 1947
B) 1950
C) 1965
D) 1975
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Who prepares the roster in the Supreme Court?
A) The President of India
B) The CJI in consultation with the Supreme Court Registry
C) The Prime Minister
D) The Attorney General
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What is the main criticism of the Master of the Roster system?
A) It is too efficient
B) It lacks transparency
C) It allows too many judges
D) It is too structured
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: How many judges can the Supreme Court of India have at full strength?
A) 25
B) 30
C) 34
D) 40
Correct Answer: C
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