CAMPAIGN FOR JUDICIAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND REFORMS vs UNION OF INDIA

The Supreme Court reaffirmed the principle that the Chief Justice of India holds the same administrative powers as the Chief Justice of a High Court, as established in State of Rajasthan vs. Prakash Chand (1998) 1 SCC 1. The Court emphasized that the Chief Justice is the master of the roster, with exclusive authority to constitute benches and allocate cases, and that no judge can act contrary to the Chief Justice's directions. This judgment reinforces judicial discipline and the hierarchical structure within the judiciary, ensuring that administrative control remains centralized under the Chief Justice.