Supreme Court's Court 10: A Silent Enigma Amidst Legal Frenzy
Court 10 in Supreme Court: A silent, unused space sparking curiosity and reflection.
Photo by Fine Photographics
Editorial Analysis
The author reflects on the mystery of Court 10 in the Supreme Court, highlighting its unused state and the curiosity it evokes. The author contrasts the past and present practices of court reporting.
Main Arguments:
- Court 10 stands in stark contrast to the bustling activity of other courtrooms in the Supreme Court.
- The author's attempts to uncover the reason for Court 10's disuse have been met with quizzical responses and unanswered questions.
- Technology has changed court reporting practices, with remote reporting replacing physical presence in courtrooms.
Conclusion
Court 10 in the Supreme Court stands in stark contrast to the bustling activity of other courtrooms. It remains empty and closed, a silent space amidst the frenzy of legal proceedings. The author, a court reporter, reflects on the mystery surrounding Court 10, noting its absence from daily causelists and the quizzical responses received when inquiring about it.
Despite attempts to uncover the reason for its disuse, the mystery persists. The author contrasts the current practice of remote court reporting with the past, where reporters would physically navigate court corridors, potentially stumbling upon clues. The author notes that the Supreme Court generates news rapidly, making Court 10 a pause—an easily overlooked oasis of silence.
The author also mentions that yesterday’s causelist showed that Justice Vipul M. Pancholi would preside in Court 10, but later in the day, the Court’s display board read: ‘Not in session’.
Key Facts
Court 10: Empty, closed courtroom in Supreme Court
Author: Court reporter reflecting on the mystery
Remote reporting: Changed court reporting practices
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary
GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Potential question types: Statement-based questions on the functioning of the Supreme Court, analytical questions on the impact of technology on the judiciary.
Visual Insights
Supreme Court Functioning: Key Statistics (2026)
Illustrates the workload and efficiency of the Supreme Court, providing context to the unusual inactivity of Court 10.
- Total Judges in Supreme Court
- 34
- Cases Pending in Supreme Court
- 72,458
- Case Disposal Rate (2025)
- 88%
Sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court. Vacancies can impact case pendency.
High pendency highlights the pressure on the judiciary and the need for efficient case management.
Indicates the court's efficiency in resolving cases. A lower rate can contribute to backlog.
More Information
Background
The Supreme Court of India, established on January 28, 1950, replaced the Federal Court of India (1937-1950) and the Privy Council. The Constitution initially provided for a Chief Justice and seven other judges. Over time, the number of judges has increased to meet the growing caseload.
The evolution of courtrooms within the Supreme Court reflects this expansion. Courtrooms are typically assigned based on seniority and the nature of cases heard. The allocation of courtrooms and their usage is an administrative decision managed by the Chief Justice and the court's registry.
The specific reasons for a courtroom remaining unused can vary, ranging from renovations to logistical considerations or even pending assignments.
Latest Developments
In recent years, the Supreme Court has embraced technology to enhance accessibility and efficiency. Live streaming of court proceedings, initiated in 2018 and expanded significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, has increased transparency. The e-filing system and virtual courtrooms have become integral parts of the judicial process.
The allocation and management of courtrooms are now often influenced by technological infrastructure and the need for hybrid hearings (physical and virtual). The decision to keep a courtroom unused might also be related to ongoing technological upgrades or the need to reconfigure spaces for better integration of technology in judicial proceedings. The Supreme Court continues to adapt to evolving needs, balancing tradition with modern advancements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the central mystery surrounding Court 10 in the Supreme Court, as highlighted in the article?
The central mystery is the disuse and silence of Court 10, contrasting with the active courtrooms. Despite inquiries, the reason for its emptiness remains unknown, making it an enigma within the Supreme Court.
2. How has remote court reporting, as mentioned in the article, changed the way court reporters might uncover information about spaces like Court 10?
Remote reporting has reduced physical presence in court corridors. In the past, reporters might have stumbled upon clues about Court 10 while physically navigating the Supreme Court. Now, with increased reliance on virtual access, such incidental discoveries are less likely.
3. Considering the rapid news cycle of the Supreme Court, what significance does the author attribute to Court 10's silence?
The author views Court 10's silence as a pause or an oasis amidst the constant flow of news generated by the Supreme Court. It's a space easily overlooked but offers a moment of reflection.
4. What aspects of the Supreme Court's functioning might be relevant to understanding the context of Court 10's disuse for the UPSC exam?
Understanding the allocation of courtrooms, the increasing caseload, and the adoption of technology like e-filing and virtual courts are relevant. These factors influence how courtrooms are managed and utilized.
- •Courtroom allocation procedures
- •Impact of increasing caseload on courtroom usage
- •Role of technology (e-filing, virtual courts) in courtroom management
Exam Tip
Focus on the evolution of the Supreme Court's infrastructure and procedures.
5. For UPSC Prelims, what key facts should one remember regarding the Supreme Court of India based on the article's background context?
Remember that the Supreme Court was established on January 28, 1950, replacing the Federal Court of India. Initially, it consisted of a Chief Justice and seven other judges, with the number of judges increasing over time.
- •Establishment date: January 28, 1950
- •Replaced the Federal Court of India
- •Initial composition: Chief Justice + 7 judges
Exam Tip
Note the historical evolution of the Supreme Court's structure.
6. Why is the topic of Court 10's disuse considered 'MEDIUM' importance, and how might it reflect broader trends in the Supreme Court's operations?
While Court 10's disuse is not a major policy issue, it symbolizes the evolving nature of the Supreme Court due to technology and changing needs. It highlights shifts in courtroom usage and the impact of remote proceedings.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the administrative functioning of the Supreme Court of India: 1. The allocation of courtrooms to judges is solely determined by the Chief Justice of India. 2. The Supreme Court registry plays a role in managing the daily causelist and courtroom assignments. 3. Technological upgrades or renovations can temporarily lead to the disuse of certain courtrooms. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three statements are correct. The Chief Justice determines courtroom allocation, the registry manages the causelist, and upgrades can lead to temporary disuse.