The corridors of justice echoed with a significant decree as the Supreme Court issued a resolute directive to its registry, urging the cessation of labeling Trial Courts as ‘Lower Courts’.
“Even the records stemming from Trial Courts should shed the moniker of ‘Lower Court Record (LCR)’,” remarked Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan with unwavering determination.
This pivotal stance emerged during the proceedings of a criminal appeal concerning the conviction of the accused under Sections 302 (murder) and 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. Following a thorough scrutiny of evidence, the Trial Court rendered its verdict, condemning the appellants to a life behind bars.
Unfazed by the outcome, the appellants sought recourse in the High Court, where despite a valiant effort to challenge the conviction, the prosecution’s case stood steadfast. Dismissing the appeal, the High Court further directed the appellants to submit themselves to the law. And thus, the saga ascended to the apex of justice.
Summoned for deliberation on Thursday, the Court requisitioned a digital dossier of the Trial Court’s proceedings from the Registry. Alongside this administrative task, the Court underscored the significance of eschewing the term ‘Lower Courts’ in favor of the more respectful ‘Trial Courts’.
As the session drew to a close, the Bench entrusted the Registrar (Judicial) with the solemn duty of implementing this directive, ensuring that justice, in its most dignified form, prevails.
