STATE OF PUNJAB vs NIHAL SINGH

The Supreme Court examined the validity of a High Court order that declared the classification of prisoners into Classes A, B, and C under Para 576-A of the Punjab Jail Manual as unconstitutional. The High Court had ruled the classification violative of Articles 14 and 15(1) of the Constitution suo motu, without the issue being raised by the parties. The Supreme Court focused on whether the High Court could adjudicate the constitutional validity of the provision without prior notice or challenge by the litigants.