In a first, Supreme Court mandates lawyers to make arguments within timelines

The Supreme Court has introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) prescribing timelines for oral arguments by lawyers in all post-notice and regular hearing matters.

The move is aimed at improving court management and ensuring equitable distribution of working hours among benches.

The circular dated December 29 was issued under the directions of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.

According to the circular, Senior Advocates and arguing counsel must now indicate in advance how much time they intend to take for oral submissions. The timelines must be submitted through the Court’s online appearance slip portal at least a day before the hearing.

The Court said this measure is intended to promote “effective court management and equitable distribution of court working hours” while ensuring the “speedy and proper administration of justice.”

In addition to pre-submitted timelines, the circular also makes it mandatory for all arguing counsel or Senior Advocates to file short written submissions, limited to five pages, at least three days prior to the date of hearing.

These notes are to be filed through the Advocate-on-Record or any nodal counsel appointed by the Court, after serving a copy to the opposite side.

“All counsel shall strictly adhere to the timelines fixed and conclude their oral arguments,” the circular stated.

The system of pre-fixed slots is expected to help benches plan proceedings better and ensure that more cases are effectively heard each day.

[Read Circular]