Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud announced that the Advocate-on-Record (AoR) examination held in 2021 will not be counted as an attempt for the candidates who participated. This decision takes into account the significant disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted the candidates’ preparation and performance.
New Delhi: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud declared that individuals who participated in the 2021 Supreme Court Advocate-on-Record (AoR) Examination will not be deemed to have made an attempt at the exam.
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) made the announcement during the farewell event for Justice AS Bopanna, who is scheduled to retire in the upcoming week.
He stated,
“Today, we have made a decision that the SCAORA exam attempt from 2021, which was impacted by COVID, will not be considered as an attempt,”
The Supreme Court recognized the challenges faced by lawyers during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, including closed offices, the need to adapt to video conferencing, and health concerns.
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In light of these circumstances, the court made a decision to provide relaxation in the examination requirements for advocates seeking to be designated as AoRs (Advocates-on-Record). This decision aimed to alleviate the difficulties faced by lawyers and ensure fairness in the process, considering the unprecedented circumstances brought about by the pandemic.
The Advocates-on-Record Examination Cell in a circular stated,
“In light of the Covid pandemic that affected the world in 2020 and 2021, the Competent Authority has issued a directive stating that the Advocates-on-Record Examination conducted in December 2021 will not count as an attempt when tallying the allowable five attempts under Regulation 11(iv). As a one-time relaxation, an additional opportunity will be granted to eligible candidates based on their performance in their most recent examination,”
The 2021 AoR exam conducted under unprecedented circumstances. The pandemic led to disruptions in study schedules, mental stress, and logistical challenges, impacting candidates’ performance. In recognition of these extraordinary conditions, the Supreme Court, under the supervision of CJI Chandrachud, decided that the 2021 examination would not count as an attempt, ensuring that no candidate is disadvantaged due to the pandemic.
The Advocate-on-Record exam, a crucial qualification for lawyers who wish to practice in the Supreme Court of India, requires rigorous preparation and known for its stringent assessment criteria. Traditionally, candidates are limited to a certain number of attempts to clear this exam, making each attempt highly valuable.
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By not counting the 2021 attempt, the Supreme Court acknowledges the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic and aims to ensure that no candidate, unfairly disadvantaged. This move also indicative of the judiciary’s adaptability in maintaining the integrity of its qualifying processes while considering the welfare of its members during challenging times.
The AOR exam, a crucial prerequisite for lawyers aspiring to file cases directly in the Supreme Court of India, and the opportunity to appear without the pressure of losing an attempt offers significant relief.