The Supreme Court on Wednesday held that a plea for direction to establish a Bench of the High Court cannot be entertained under Article 32 of the Constitution.

We find no merit in the Petition”, said a Bench comprising CJI DY Chandrachud, Justice PS Narasimha and Justice JB Pardiwala while dismissing a plea filed by Kangra District Bar Association seeking the establishment of a Bench of the Himachal Pradesh High Court at Dharamshala.

The plea also sought to challenge a notification dated September 26, 2022 providing for the establishment of certain additional courts in the State of Himachal Pradesh. “When a decision has been taken to set up additional courts to facilitate the convenience of litigants, such a decision cannot be faulted”, read the Order of the Court.

Advocate Raktim Gogoi appeared for the Petitioner in the case.

The Apex Court further said that the District Bar Association would be at liberty to ventilate its grievances before the High Court on the administrative side.

We clarify that we express no opinion on the merits of the grievances. However, we are of the view that a petition under Article 32 would not be maintainable to claim the reliefs which have been sought, said Court while dismissing the plea.

Cause Title- The Kangra District Bar Association v. Union of India & Ors.

Click here to read/download Order