CJI Bars Senior Advocates From Case Mentions For Urgent Listing In His Court
Traditionally, lawyers seek urgent or out-of-turn listings by orally mentioning their cases before the CJI-led bench at the start of each day’s proceedings: Reports
NEW DELHI: Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai announced on Wednesday that, effective August 11, senior advocates will no longer be permitted to mention cases for urgent listing and hearing in his court, in order to give junior lawyers, the opportunity to do so.
CJI Gavai, sworn in on May 14, has restored the practice of oral mentioning for urgent listings, reversing his predecessor Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s requirement that lawyers send emails or written letters instead.
“There is a strong demand that senior counsel should not mention matters,” CJI Gavai said. He instructed court staff to issue a notice stating that, beginning Monday, designated senior counsel will be barred from mentioning cases for urgent listing and hearing, allowing junior advocates to step forward.
Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, present in court to mention a case, welcomed the change, as long as it applies equally to all senior lawyers. “This will be practiced at least in my court,” the CJI added, noting that other Supreme Court judges may choose to adopt the same rule.
Traditionally, lawyers seek urgent or out-of-turn listings by orally mentioning their cases before the CJI-led bench at the start of each day’s proceedings.