New Delhi, Aug 6: Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai announced on Wednesday that from August 11 onwards, designated senior advocates will no longer be allowed to mention cases for urgent listing and hearing in his court, giving junior lawyers the opportunity to step forward. CJI Gavai, who assumed office on May 14, has reinstated the practice of oral mentioning of cases—unlike his predecessor Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who required urgent listing requests to be made via email or written letters. “There is a great demand that no matters should be mentioned by senior counsel(s),” Justice Gavai said during court proceedings.
He directed the court staff to issue a notice stating that the new rule would come into effect from Monday. “Let juniors get an opportunity to do it,” the CJI emphasized.
Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, present in court to mention a case, expressed his support for the move, saying he had no objection as long as the rule was applied uniformly to all seniors. CJI Gavai clarified that the policy would apply specifically to his court and left it to other Supreme Court judges to decide if they wish to implement the same.
Traditionally, the day’s proceedings in the Supreme Court begin with lawyers requesting urgent hearings or out-of-turn listings before the CJI-led bench. The new move is seen as an effort to democratize courtroom access and encourage younger members of the Bar to take initiative.
