On Thursday, the Supreme Court flagged a serious concern affecting access to justice, with CJI Surya Kant observing that unequal use of judicial time often leaves poor and ordinary litigants unheard. Emphasising that justice cannot be reserved for those who can argue the longest, the CJI highlighted the need for systemic discipline in court proceedings to ensure fairness for all.
The issue arose in the backdrop of multiple petitions where extensive oral arguments were advanced by senior members of the Bar. The Court noted that such prolonged hearings frequently result in cases of economically weaker litigants seeking bail or compensation being pushed aside without consideration. According to the Bench, judicial time is a limited public resource, and its disproportionate use directly impacts the timely hearing of routine but urgent matters.
The Court took note of long-standing concerns within the legal community that certain senior and activist lawyers tend to dominate court proceedings through prolonged submissions or repeated public interest petitions. This, the Bench observed, creates an imbalance in case listings and delays justice for ordinary litigants. It was stressed that no section of the Bar can claim privileged access to judicial time at the cost of others.
To highlight the human cost of such delays, CJI Surya Kant narrated the case of a poor widow whose husband died in a railway accident. Despite succeeding in her claim, she received compensation only after more than two decades. By that time, she had lost faith in the justice system and had withdrawn into obscurity. The Court observed that exceptional efforts were required to trace her in a remote village, open a bank account in her name, and finally ensure disbursement of the compensation. The Bench commended the young lawyer who pursued the matter without charging any fees, noting that bringing a smile to a litigant’s face through timely justice is the true purpose of the judicial process.
In order to restore balance and ensure equitable access to justice, the Chief Justice announced that from January 2026, the Supreme Court will strictly regulate oral arguments. Lawyers will be required to file written submissions in advance, clearly specifying the time sought for oral arguments. Adjournments in matters listed for final hearing will not be granted, and declared time limits will be strictly enforced. The Court clarified that the reform is aimed at protecting the rights of ordinary litigants and ensuring that justice is delivered within a reasonable time.
Disclaimer: This news/ article includes information received via a syndicated news feed. The original rights remain with the respective publisher.
Picture Source :