Constitution bench to avoid conflict of views: CJI-designate

There will be at least one Constitution bench for "authoritative pronouncements" on issues like mercy pleas to avoid conflicting views by smaller benches, says Chief Justice of India designate Justice P Sathasivam.
The 64-year-old judge, who will take over as the 40th CJI in a fortnight's time, feels that a permanent Constitution bench consisting of five judges will solve thousands of cases stuck in litigation, even at the apex court, because of conflicting views from smaller benches.
The new CJI designate also has strong views on the legislative proposal for a bar on judges making casual observations against legislature and executive during hearings, the need for virtual reservation in higher judiciary in appointment of judges and dismisses the idea of setting up circuit benches of the apex court in other parts of the country.

He also wants judges to be cautious while making observations in the courts. It should be limited to eliciting information from parties.
"First, I am thinking of constituting one Constitution bench consisting of five judges for at least one month--which means the total working days the bench will hear matters.
"For cases regarding delay in disposal of mercy pleas, in order to avoid conflicting views by separate two or three judge benches, I am thinking of listing those cases before a Constitution bench of five judges for authoritative pronouncements," he told PTI in an interview.