[Grammar] Regarding article "a" and "the".

[Joe333]

Sentence: It is good to know the media have given space to the/a bench of XYZ (company) tax dispute case this time. In the past, only few news media have given the space to the/a bench of ABZ and PPP merger case.

Question: I keep seeing in news papers and on the Internet that the people using the article "a" and "the" before the word bench. I have seen them using "the" and "a" even when they are mentioning the Justice's name. Like for example: "the bench of Justice JJ..", "a bench of ZZ.." Therefore, I'm confused. So tell me the use of which article will be correct here - "a" or "the"?

Thanks

 

[SoothingDave]

I have only heard "the bench" used to refer to the area presided over by a judge/justice.

As in the phrase "may I approach the bench?"

approach the bench legal definition of approach the bench. approach the bench synonyms by the Free Online Law Dictionary.

I am not sure why you are referring to the "bench" of a particular case. Or how the media would give "space" to the "bench." This is not AmE.

In any event, there is only one bench associated with any given judge, so it would be "the" bench.

 

[5jj]

'Bench', with or without an article means nothing to me in that sentence. It may be commonly used in this way in Sri Lankan English.

 

[Tdol]

It's not a usage I have seen before. I would use XYZ tax dispute case.

 

[Joe333]

SoothingDave, 5ij, TDOL Kindly see all these links and give your considered view on it. This is the source of my confusion.

SC judgment on Vodafone case on Friday - The Times of India

Court refuses to stay toddlers' admission in Delhi schools : legalnews :: Legal India : Law Information Portal of India

"the bench of Chief" - Google Search

"a bench of" - Google Search

Thanks. Appreciate your time and help.

 

[Tdol]

Try here dispute case - Google Search

 

[Joe333]

Try here dispute case - Google Search

Sorry for my incomprehension. Could you tell me how this relate to my original question, which was in-brief about the usage of articles before the word "bench" ? I really did not get what you were trying to tell there.

Thanks

 

[SoothingDave]

This appears to be used only in India. And used with the definite article. That should answer your question.

 

[JMurray]

Concerning your link: "a bench of" - Google Search
There are some references to the use of "bench" in a sporting context. Many sports allow the substitution of players on the field/court with players waiting on the sideline. The players waiting to be sent onto the field or court are often said to be "on the bench" because they usually sit on an "interchange bench".
If a team has very good players waiting to be sent on they are often said to have "a strong bench". On the other hand, they might have a bench that lacks experience, or a bench that's depleted by injuries.

not a teacher

 

[Joe333]

Ok guys thanks for help and time. Appreciate it. I will inform the forum if I found any satisfying reply in another English forum.