SC sets up social justice bench

In a bid to address issues of social justice involving vulnerable sections of the society, the Supreme Court will now have a 'Social Justice' bench that would exclusively hear such matters once a week.

Chief Justice H.L. Dattu constituted the special bench comprising Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Uday Umesh Lalit who will sit once a week every Friday from Dec 12.

Not only pending cases but fresh matters will also be dealt with by the special bench.

Chief Justice Dattu constituted the bench so that social causes are given a specialised approach for their early disposal and people "realise the fruits of the rights provided to them by the constitutional text".

The bench - rooted in the promise of social justice in the preamble of the constitution - will deal with cases highlighting social issues.

The cases would have a wide spectrum, including the issue of release of surplus foodgrain for people living in drought-affected areas, taking steps to prevent untimely death of women and children for want of nutritious food, public distribution system, hygienic mid-day meal and night shelters.

The bench will also address issues of providing medical facilities to all citizens irrespective of their economic condition, hygienic drinking water, safe and secured living conditions for women forced into prostitution.