Supreme Court forms judges' panel to streamline listing of cases, ensure uniform sequencing

The Supreme Court has constituted a three-judge committee to examine reforms to its case-listing system.

The proposed reforms include simplifying the daily cause list and ensuring that cases are taken up in the order in which they are listed.

The committee will also consider suggestions made by the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) to improve the listing and hearing process.

According to an office order issued on July 28, the committee comprises Justice Vikram Nath, Justice PS Narasimha and Justice V Mohana. The Registrar (Judicial Listing) will also assist the committee in its work.

On a related note, the difficulties faced by lawyers because of last-minute changes in the sequencing of cases was mentioned this morning as well by Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia.

Bhatia informed a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana that revised sequencing lists were often issued just minutes before the court assembled each morning.

He said that this makes it difficult for advocates to know which courtroom they were required to appear in.

"We enter the courtroom, and then we come to know that we are supposed to be in Court Number X rather than Y because a new sequence has been issued at 10.29 or 10.30. It is not humanly possible for us to assist the Court," submitted Bhatia.

Taking note of this submission, CJI Kant said the issue had already been placed before the Full Court and was being examined by the newly constituted committee.

"The matter was taken up in the Full Court. I do not decide this kind of issue at my level. I took the matter before all my brothers and sisters (other judges). It was ultimately resolved to constitute a committee. I have already constituted the committee. The committee is on the job. Let its recommendations come and then we will see. We will try to find a solution," assured CJI Kant.

He noted that there were differing views on how the issue should be addressed, which was why the committee had been tasked with examining it and making recommendations.

Bhatia suggested that changes to the sequence of how listed cases would be called could be reflected through supplementary cause lists. CJI Kant acknowledged that these are genuine concerns, and said that a solution would soon be devised.

"This is a genuine problem. We are also cognisant of it. Once the committee process is complete, you can assure the Bar members, we will find a solution," said CJI Kant.

In a communication to its members, SCAORA has welcomed the constitution of the committee, saying it followed the association's continued engagement with the Court on issues relating to listing and case sequencing.

"We are confident that this initiative will go a long way in making the listing and hearing process more transparent, efficient and predictable for the Bar," said SCAORA.

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