P. Ramachandra Rao, Etc. ... vs State Of Karnataka Respondent

The Supreme Court reiterated the binding authority of the decision in A.R. Antulay's case [(1992) 1 SCC 225], emphasizing that subsequent judgments by smaller benches cannot undermine its principles. The Court held that deviations from established precedents require referral to a larger bench, reinforcing the doctrine of binding precedents. Consequently, the appeals were allowed and remitted to the High Court for fresh consideration, affirming the Court's role as the ultimate interpreter of the Constitution and protector of fundamental rights.