Abdul Rahiman & Another v. D.F.O. & Another [1988(2)KLJ 202]. Therefore, the proposition of law laid down so in Sriram (supra ) has no presidential value vis - a -vis the issue raised by the petitioner in the writ petition, and this appeal ,as singularly contented. It is apposite to state here, we have no difference of opinion that judicial precedents bind a bench of co-equal strength in accordance with the mandates under the constitution of India and the laws. But what is the rule of precedent is the question. In our view, it is nothing but a decision by a court of law binding on a subsequent decision of a like/ similar nature. The relevance, significance, and the major role of the rule of precedence is , streamlining judicial discipline, and to have uniformity, consistency and certainty, thereby sets the principle of deciding similar cases alike, and thus retain and sustain confidence of the public in the justice delivery system. It also means, a prior judgment of a constitutional court on a specific point of law on identical facts binds any court on the same point of law in a subsequent case. We do not think the said issue requires further elucidation,however reference to some of the judgments of the apex court would make the situation clearer.
