STATE OF MAHARASHTRA vs NARAYAN SHAMRAO PURANIK AND OTHERS

The Supreme Court interpreted Section 51(3) of the States Reorganization Act, 1956, affirming that the Chief Justice has the authority to appoint locations for High Court sittings, which remains valid despite the passage of time. The Court held that the provisions of the Act are not rendered inoperative by lapse of time and can only be abrogated through express repeal. The Court upheld the Chief Justice's order to establish a High Court Bench at Aurangabad, rejecting the High Court's ruling that deemed the order constitutionally impermissible after 26 years.