Order X - Inspection and Search of Supreme Court Records
Order X of the Supreme Court Rules, 2013 governs the inspection and search of pleadings, documents and case records, including who may apply, supervision of inspection, preservation of custody and requisitions from public authorities.
What is inspection or search under Order X?
Inspection means examining court-filed pleadings and records with the permission of the concerned Registrar, subject to the Rules. A search is an examination of case records to locate or verify information. Inspection does not itself confer permission to remove original documents or make copies.
Under Article 145 of the Constitution of India, the Supreme Court has rule-making authority, subject to the constitutional requirements, for regulating its practice and procedure. The Supreme Court Rules, 2013 provide the governing framework, subject to subsequent amendments, orders and applicable Registry directions.
Complete provisions of Order X - Inspection, Search, etc.
Rule 1: Right of parties to inspect records
1. Subject to the provisions of these rules, a party to any cause, appeal or matter may apply to the concerned Registrar and shall be allowed to search or inspect all pleadings and other documents or records in the case, on payment of the prescribed fees and charges.
Rule 2: Inspection during pending proceedings
2. A search or inspection during the pendency of a cause, appeal or matter, shall be allowed only in the presence of an officer of the Court and after twenty-four hours' notice in writing to the parties who have appeared, and copies of documents shall not be allowed to be taken, but notes of the search or inspection may be made.
Rule 3: Custody of records
3. No record or document filed in any cause, appeal or matter shall, without the leave of the Court, be taken out of the custody of the Court.
Rule 4: Requisition by courts and public authorities
4. The Registrar may, in his discretion, permit any record to be sent to any Court, tribunal or other public authority on requisition received from such Court, Tribunal or authority.
How to apply for inspection of Supreme Court records
A party to a cause, appeal or matter may apply to the concerned Registrar, identify the relevant case and documents, and pay the prescribed inspection or search fees. Where proceedings remain pending, Rule 2 requires an officer of the Court to be present and 24 hours' written notice to parties who have appeared. Notes may be made, but copies of documents cannot be taken under that inspection rule. Applications for certified copies are governed separately by the applicable copying provisions, including Order XIII - Copying.
Rule 3 protects the custody of the judicial record: no filed record or document may be taken out of Court custody without leave of the Court. Rule 4 separately permits the Registrar, in the Registrar's discretion, to send records upon requisition by a court, tribunal or other public authority.
Practical distinction: The right under Rule 1 is expressed for a party to the proceeding. Non-party access, electronic record inspection, access to restricted documents, and copying requests may be subject to separate rules, judicial orders or current Registry instructions. Check current practice before filing.
Official resources
For up-to-date Supreme Court rules, practice directions, case status and Registry information, consult the Supreme Court of India official website. For the Constitution and legislation, consult India Code. These sources should be checked for later amendments or applicable directions.