During last week’s Supreme Court summer vacation bench, Justice Sanjay Karol encouraged junior lawyers. He said, “Junior lawyers shouldn’t get stuck, overawed, frightened of SC judges, those arguing are doing well,” praising their efforts.
During the Supreme Court’s summer vacation bench last week, Justice Sanjay Karol gave a very encouraging message to junior lawyers.
He said, “Junior lawyers shouldn’t get stuck, overawed, frightened of SC judges, those arguing are doing well.”
Many junior advocates looked very happy and proud as the Bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and S.C. Sharma gave orders in different cases during the Supreme Court’s summer vacation bench last week.
At first, some young advocates were nervous and unsure, as it was their first time appearing in court. They had come only to ask for a date change because their senior was not available for different reasons.
But when they left the courtroom, they felt more confident and walked out with their heads held high. They were sure their senior would be happy with what they had done.
Encouraged by Justice Karol to “just open the files and argue the matter,” many of them walked away with favorable orders or notices issued, which advanced their cases without being dismissed.
In several instances, Justice S.C. Sharma, the brother judge of Justice Karol, was heard telling a junior advocate,
“His Lordship is very impressed with your arguments. You have done well. We are issuing notice. Wish you all the best. This is why we say juniors must argue.”
Justice Karol said,
“Case doesn’t matter…outcome doesn’t matter..after all they (juniors) need to get an opportunity to argue you see..we have said repeatedly at least during vacations seniors must make way for juniors .. apt time to test their preparedness …courtroom skills…vacation times are best.. we have seen noted juniors get overawed by the judges especially in supreme court… intimidated..frightened he/she is confused if to go ahead what to say.. will the Bench get offended etc are the issues in their mind see..no they should argue,”
Justice Karol said,
“What is also more important. No matter argued by a junior be dismissed IN LIMINE on the threshold… at the start… if we are not convinced we keep it for a later date he or she does not lose the case ..We are conscious of the fact they be not at the receiving end from the senior. After all we persuade them to argue it’s for their professional growth..what best time other than vacation,”
Also Read: “Senior Lawyers Not Allowed to Argue in my Court”: SC Justice Vikram Nath
Justice Karol emphasized the importance of allowing junior lawyers to argue before vacation benches, urging senior advocates to support this initiative.
He called on Bar leaders to promote the value of providing opportunities for the professional development of younger members of the legal community.
He consistently highlighted the need to create a platform for junior lawyers to improve their skills and build their careers.
Justice Karol’s words brought motivation and confidence to many young advocates who were appearing before the court, some for the very first time.