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CLB Bench at Chennai may be operational in July

Richa Mishra

NEW DELHI, May 28

THE proposed additional Principal Bench of the Company Law Board (CLB) in Chennai is likely to become operational from July first week, according to the Department of Company Affairs (DCA).

The Union Minister for Law, Justice and Company Affairs, Mr. Ram Jethmalani, had announced the setting up of an additional Principal Bench of the CLB in Chennai on May 16 in Lok Sabha. The Bench is expected to function under the control and supervision o f the CLB Chairman.

However, CLB is said to have expressed its displeasure at the move, stating that it had not been consulted before the decision was taken. It has also said that considering the number of pending cases there is no need for constitution of an additional Pri ncipal Bench at Chennai.

According to DCA, the decision to constitute an additional Principal Bench was taken to meet the demand made by advocates from the Southern region (particularly Tamil Nadu), who had to frequent the Capital for their cases. This, it was pointed out, also resulted in additional expenses for their clients.

The proposed Bench is expected to have jurisdiction over Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Pondicherry. The CLB, a quasi-judicial body under the administrative control of the Department of Company Affairs (DCA), commands a total strength of nine members including the Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

At present, there are four vacancies to be filled. The Department is also looking into the aspects and if need be may just appoint all the members together, according to the officials.

Making a suo moto statement, the Minister had said, that this bench will consist of the present judicial member of the Regional Bench of Chennai and the Vice-Chairman of the Principal Bench. It is proposed to transfer the post of Vice-Chairman along with the present incumbent to Chennai. The present Vice-Chairman of the CLB is Mr. S. Balasubramanian.

CLB at present has a Principal Bench at New Delhi. Besides there are four Regional Benches working at New Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and Chennai. The Principal Bench has all India jurisdiction.