Law laid down by it binding on all courts, says SC

New Delhi, Oct 20 (UNI) The five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court has held that the law laid down by it is binding on all authorities and courts in the country while an executive order or circular cannot run counter to the law laid down by the Supreme Court or High Court.

A bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan, Justices Arijit Pasayat, H D Bedi, P Sathasivam and J M Panchal noted ''as far as the clarifications/circular issued by the Central and state governments are concerned, they represent merely their understanding of the statutory provisions. They are not binding on the court.'' Viewed from another angle, a circular which is contrary to the statutory provisions has no exixtence in law, the bench underlined.

As per Article 141 of the Constitution, the law laid down by this court is final and binding.

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