JOIN USAdmitting that there are deficiencies in the Commercial Division of High Courts Bill, 2010, Law Minister Salman Khurshid said "there are certain aspects that require further consideration...We will be able to bring some new amendments... I seek only little more time now."
The bill which was passed by the Lok Sabha without discussion, seeks to set up divisions in the High Courts for adjudicating commercial disputes and fast-tracking these cases.
The Minister said the purpose of the legislation is to provide faster methods of settling commercial disputes, but not at the cost of other litigants.
Responding to allegations that it would discriminate against the poor, the minister said the bill would not violate Article 14 of the Constitution which ensures equality before law. Participating in the debate, Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley said the proposed legislation was “completely misconceived and badly drafted”. It would lead to transferring these cases from “fastest” courts to “laziest” layer of judiciary.