281 lawyers have written to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud objecting to the Supreme Court’s decision to discontinue until further orders the practice of circulating adjournment letters or slips one day before a matter is listed.
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NEW DELHI: A group of 281 lawyers has recently addressed a letter to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, expressing their concerns over the Supreme Court’s decision to temporarily halt the practice of circulating adjournment letters or slips a day before a case is scheduled. This change, announced last year just before the annual winter break, was initially introduced as a measure “in the interest of litigants.”
On December 5, a circular issued by the top court suspended the longstanding practice of circulating adjournment letters or slips until the last working day of the year. This move was met with resistance from both the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) and the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA). These associations appealed to the court, requesting the continuation of this practice.
In response to these representations, the Supreme Court formed a judges’ committee tasked with developing a standard operating procedure (SoP) for adjournments, incorporating suggestions from all relevant stakeholders, including members of the bar. However, during this transitional period, the practice of requesting hearing deferments through letters or slips was declared discontinued until further orders.
The circular dated December 22 stated,
“In light of the request of SCBA and SCAORA with regard to continuation of circulation of adjournments slips, the competent authority has been pleased to constitute a committee of Hon’ble Judges for preparing a standard operating procedure after inviting suggestions of the Bar and all stakeholders and for working further modalities. In the meanwhile, the practice of circulation of adjournment slips stands discontinued till further orders.”
The lawyers who have penned the letter to the Chief Justice argue that the suspension of the existing procedure could lead to ‘serious consequences’ for both the bar and the bench. They emphasize the importance of the previous system in ensuring smooth legal proceedings and have urged the judges’ committee and Chief Justice Chandrachud to reinstate the practice of seeking adjournments through the circulation of slips until a new system is established.
This development highlights the ongoing dialogue and collaboration between the judiciary and legal professionals in India, aiming to optimize court procedures for the benefit of all parties involved. The decision of the Supreme Court in this matter will be closely watched, as it will impact the functioning and efficiency of the legal system.
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