Inconsistent Judicial Decisions Shake Public Trust: A Supreme Court Observation

The Supreme Court highlighted the importance of consistency in judicial decisions, as inconsistent rulings undermine public trust. It criticized a Karnataka High Court judge's decision to quash a case without referencing an earlier differing judgment and stressed the need for judicial propriety.

In a noteworthy judgment highlighting the critical need for consistency, the Supreme Court has criticized conflicting judicial decisions, underscoring the erosion of public trust stemming from such inconsistencies.

The case involved a matrimonial matter where varying judgments were issued by different benches of the Karnataka High Court, leading the top court to emphasize that consistency is a hallmark of a responsible judiciary.

Justices P S Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi observed that these erratic decisions could turn litigation into a 'punter's game' and foster detrimental practices like forum shopping, ultimately undermining the justice system's integrity.

(With inputs from agencies.)