Supreme Court Vacation Benches Bar Senior Advocates From Mentioning Cases, Encourage Young Lawyers

In a move aimed at giving younger lawyers greater courtroom exposure, the Supreme Court on Monday made it clear that Senior Advocates would not be permitted to mention cases before vacation benches during the Court’s summer break. The decision was taken on the first day of the Court’s vacation sittings, which will continue until July 12.

A Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice PB Varale announced that only Advocates-on-Record (AoRs) would be allowed to mention matters before the Court. The Bench also stated that no unlisted matters would be entertained through mentioning.

The restriction drew objections from members of the senior bar. Senior Advocate Sidharth Dave argued that the Supreme Court was not completely closed and that several matters required urgent attention. However, the Bench declined to alter its approach, with Justice Nath observing that the court already had a heavy caseload and was determined to maintain the policy.

The Bench maintained a light-hearted yet firm stance throughout the proceedings. When Advocate Mathews Nedumpara attempted to mention a matter, Justice Nath remarked that he considered him a senior and therefore would not permit the mentioning. At another point, Justice Nath humorously remarked, “Yeh sab seniors ko bahar nikalo (get all these seniors out.),” reinforcing the Court’s position.

Senior Advocate Sanjay Hegde referred to an earlier instance involving Fali Nariman, recalling how Nariman once allowed his junior to argue a matter when he himself was not permitted to address the Court. The anecdote was cited as an example of encouraging younger lawyers to take responsibility before the Bench.

Addressing concerns that cases might suffer due to the absence of senior counsel, the Court assured lawyers that matters would not be dismissed merely because designated seniors were unavailable. Justice Nath stated that vacation benches typically either hear matters or grant suitable dates, emphasising that judges remain reasonable in handling such situations.

A similar message came from another vacation Bench comprising Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Augustine George Masih. During a bail hearing, Justice Karol observed that for the past three years, vacation sittings had largely been intended to provide opportunities to lawyers who are not designated as Senior Advocates.

The Bench reiterated that younger members of the Bar should be encouraged to argue matters during vacation hearings. The judges also assured counsel that matters are generally not dismissed during the vacation period and that the objective is to create opportunities for emerging advocates to gain valuable courtroom experience.

The Supreme Court’s summer vacation began on June 1 and will continue until July 12. Under the leadership of Surya Kant, 23 vacation benches have been constituted to hear urgent matters during this period. The latest approach signals the Court’s continued effort to promote the participation and professional development of younger lawyers.