Difference between Bar and Bench

Bar in legal terms means a body of attorneys. In other words it refers to body of lawyers. Lawyers or Attorneys are separated from the general spectators of the court hall as well as the area reserved for the judges by means of a bar or railing. Only those who qualify the Bar Examination are allowed to practice law in the court of law.

Bench means the members of the judiciary. Bench in legal terms means the location identified in the courtroom, where judges usually sit and hear the cases. In other words, it is a general term used to designate the associates of the judiciary together.

Read more on the Importance of Bar & Bench Relationship

There are different kinds of Benches are;

Single Bench: The term Single Bench refers to the situation, where a case is heard and decided by a single judge. If any party who is aggrieved by the impugned judgment delivered by the Single Bench, then said party may prefer an appeal against said judgment to the Division Bench.

Division Bench: A Division Bench is a term widely used in the Indian judicial system, where a dispute is heard and adjudicated by at least two judges. Nevertheless, if the bench during the hearing of any matter feels that the matter needs to be considered by a larger bench, such a dispute will be referred to a larger bench.