'Courts Must Apply Binding Precedents, Can't Sidestep Them By Distinguishing In Name' : Supreme Court Emphasises Judicial Discipline

In a strong reaffirmation of judicial hierarchy and discipline, the Supreme Court has reminded courts across the country that “the judiciary draws its strength from discipline and not dominion,” underscoring that obedience to binding precedent is a constitutional duty.

"We restate the simple duty of Courts: apply precedent as it stands and give effect to appellate directions as they are framed. In that discipline lies the confidence of litigants and the credibility of courts," the Court observed.

The Court said that it was unlawful for a Court to ignore a binding precedent by distinguishing it only superficially, ignoring the essence.

"The lawful course is to apply the precedent and, if needed, record reasons for inviting a larger Bench to reconsider it. The unlawful and unjust course