High Courts not administratively subordinate; can’t issue directions on Bombay HC working hours: Supreme Court

[04 February 2022] The Supreme Court reiterated that High Courts do not function under the administrative superintendence of the Supreme Court and the top court is not empowered to give directions affecting the administrative sphere of the High Court.

Hence, the top court cannot issue a direction to the High Court Chief Justice to decide on the working of the High Court, a Bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and Surya Kant underscored.
“We cannot issues a mandamus to the High Court Chief Justice. The High Court is not administratively subordinate (to the Supreme Court),” Justice Chandrachud remarked.