On Monday, the Supreme Court decided that senior advocates will neither be permitted to mention matters for urgent listing nor argue cases during the ongoing partial court working days, a move aimed at providing younger members of the Bar greater opportunities to present cases before the Court. The decision, which will remain in effect until July 12, signals a conscious effort by the apex court to encourage courtroom exposure for junior lawyers and advocates-on-record.
The issue surfaced on the first day of the partial court working period when senior advocates attempted to mention and argue matters before various Benches. Justice Vikram Nath, heading a bench with Justice P.B. Varale, made it clear that only young lawyers and advocates-on-record would be allowed to address the Court during this period. Similar views were expressed by Benches led by Justice P.S. Narasimha and Justice Sanjay Karol. While some senior lawyers sought relaxation on the ground that they were unaware of the arrangement, the Court maintained that matters would be heard through instructing counsel or advocates-on-record, and cases involving senior advocates would, if necessary, be taken up after regular court functioning resumes.
The Court explained that the measure is intended to create meaningful opportunities for younger practitioners to argue matters before the country's highest court. Justice Nath stated, “No senior advocates will be allowed in my court.” Justice Narasimha also indicated that the arrangement would continue beyond the first day, observing that from the following day onwards, senior advocates would not be permitted to mention or argue matters during the partial court working period. At the same time, the Court clarified that cases would not be dismissed merely because senior advocates were appearing and could be listed after normal functioning resumes.
The Benches accordingly enforced the restriction for the duration of the partial court working days.
Source PTI
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