Today, On 19th February, The Supreme Court strongly criticized a lawyer for seeking an adjournment due to a senior advocate’s absence. The bench made it clear that merely naming a senior counsel would not be a valid reason for delaying proceedings. Emphasizing the need to curb this practice, the court asserted that such tendencies among lawyers must stop. The remark highlights the judiciary’s firm stance on ensuring the smooth and timely functioning of cases.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court expressed strong disapproval of a lawyer requesting an adjournment in a case on the grounds that a senior advocate would argue it.
Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan criticized the lawyer, who sought to postpone the matter related to a commercial dispute for four weeks, stating that senior advocate Harish Salve would present the case upon his return from abroad.
The bench remarked,
“Are you under the impression that we will adjourn a matter if you mention a senior counsel? This tendency among lawyers must cease. We are not going to adjourn cases simply because you name a senior counsel,”
When the matter was brought up later for hearing, the court reiterated its stance, aiming to clarify that it would not adjourn cases merely based on the involvement of senior counsel. Nonetheless, the court ultimately accepted the request and postponed the hearing.
Earlier in January, the apex court had criticized a lawyer who addressed the court from his car, emphasizing the importance of maintaining dignity in legal proceedings.
The Supreme Court’s position is a reminder that the legal process should not be slowed down by unnecessary delays.
Also Read: Supreme Court Petition Challenges Delhi High Court’s Senior Advocate Designation Process
Lawyers need to be ready to argue their cases without relying too much on senior advocates. This move supports the judiciary’s larger goal of making sure justice is served quickly and effectively.
Legal experts have praised the court’s comments, saying that cutting down on unnecessary adjournments will improve case management and help resolve disputes faster. Many believe this will encourage lower courts to take a stricter approach to requests for postponements.
As the Indian judiciary works to become more efficient, it will be interesting to see how law firms and litigants respond to the Supreme Court’s strong stance on adjournment requests.