In a recent development, the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) has appealed to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud to retract the decision to schedule service and labour cases during the court’s summer vacation.
On June 20, the Supreme Court Registry issued a notice listing these cases to be heard by vacation benches starting June 25. This decision, according to SCAORA, significantly deviates from the customary practice of hearing only urgent matters during this period.
In a letter addressed to the Supreme Court Secretary General and Registry, SCAORA highlighted the resulting complications. The letter explained that many senior lawyers, their juniors, and registered clerks are currently away from Delhi, taking advantage of the summer break. This sudden scheduling change disrupts their plans, making it difficult for them to appear either in person or virtually.
SCAORA emphasized the inconvenience and disruption caused to the legal community. “While members acknowledge the urgency and the impact on litigants’ right to livelihood, it is crucial that cases are represented effectively. This requires the advocates to have access to their files, research, and the ability to appear before the Court,” stated Nikhil Jain, SCAORA secretary, in the letter.
The association warned that the absence of Advocates-on-Record and Senior Advocates could hinder justice, potentially leading to unjust outcomes. They urged that this matter be promptly addressed by the CJI to mitigate the concerns of all stakeholders involved.
SCAORA has also requested that Advocates-on-Record be permitted to send adjournment requests via email for the cases listed in the June 20 notice, and that judges refrain from passing adverse orders in their absence.
