The Najakat Conflict

Although in Paragraph 45 of State of Maharashtra v. Najakat Alia Mubarak Ali, (2001) 6 SCC 311 view of Hon’ble K.T. Thomas J did have concurrence of Hon’ble S.N. Phukan J, bare reading of view expressed in Paragraph 44 accords with dissenting view of Hon’ble R.P. Sethi J. We attempted a reconciliation of conflicting views. However, we are afraid, it has proved abortive. How far and to what extent efficacy of the Najakat Alia Mubarak Ali as a precedent would bind subsequent Benches of this Court remains debatable in view of aforesaid apparent irreconcilable conflict.