SC to expand its scope of matter from May 13

A circular has been issued which states that Single Judge Benches of Supreme Court will hear Special leave petitions and Transfer petitions, arising out of bail orders, with respect to offences which are punishable with imprisonment of up to seven years.  

To lay down the categories of matter that can be heard by a Single Judges Bench, the Supreme Court Rules of 2013 have been amended.Order VI Rule 1 of the 2013 Ruleshas been amended and a new provision has been added in this section. The matter includes bail applications arising out ofSpecial Leave Petitions under Article 136 of the Constitution of India and transfer of cases under Section 25 of CPC and Section 406 of CrPC.

Section 25 of CPC empowers the Supreme Court to transfer civil cases and appeals. If Supreme Court is satisfied that an order has been passed which expatiates for the ends of justice, it can direct to transfer the case or appeal, from one High Court to other, on the application of a party.

Section 406 of CrPC talks about the Power of Supreme Court to transfer criminal cases and appeals. It says that if the Supreme Court feels that an order under this Section has been passed to give justice to the case, it can order transfer of such case from one High Court to another.