- Mandatory advance disclosure of oral argument duration
- Submission through online appearance slip portal
- Written submissions capped at five pages
- Filing deadline of three days before hearing
- Strict adherence to timelines directed
Supreme Court of India has rolled out a structured Standard Operating Procedure that formally regulates the time lawyers may take for oral arguments, marking a procedural shift in the conduct of post notice and regular hearing matters.
Acting under the directions of the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, the Court has made advance disclosure of argument duration mandatory for all counsels.
The newly issued SOP on December 29 requires Senior Advocates and arguing counsel to declare, in advance, the precise time they seek for oral submissions.
This information must be uploaded through the Court’s online appearance slip portal at least one day before the scheduled hearing.
The Supreme Court mandates timelines for lawyers’ arguments with the clear objective of streamlining hearings and balancing judicial time across benches.
As per the circular, the Supreme Court mandates timelines for lawyers’ arguments to ensure effective court management, equitable allocation of working hours, and expeditious disposal of cases.
The Court has underlined that adherence to declared timelines will no longer be optional, and counsels are expected to conclude submissions strictly within the allotted time.
In addition to oral timelines, the SOP introduces a compulsory requirement of concise written submissions.
Every arguing counsel or Senior Advocate must file written notes not exceeding five pages, at least three days prior to the hearing.
These submissions must be routed through the Advocate on Record or a designated nodal counsel, with prior service upon the opposing party.
The circular records that the Supreme Court mandates timelines for lawyers’ arguments to assist benches in advance planning of daily cause lists and to ensure that a larger number of matters receive effective hearing on each working day.
The system of pre fixed slots is expected to bring predictability, discipline, and procedural fairness to courtroom proceedings.
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