31 December 2025 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : In a first, the Supreme Court has issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) prescribing timelines for advancing arguments and written notes by lawyers appearing before it.
The decision is aimed at improving court management and ensuring timely delivery of justice.
Chief Justice Surya Kant and the other Supreme Court judges came out with a circular on Monday prescribing an SOP for adhering to timelines for submission of oral arguments by lawyers in all cases.
“Senior advocates, arguing counsel and/or advocate-on-record, shall submit the timelines for making oral arguments in all post-notice and regular hearing matters, at least a day prior to the commencement of the hearing of the case. The same shall be submitted to the court through the online portal for submitting appearance slips already provided to the advocate-on-record (AoR),” read the SOP, which comes into force with immediate effect.
According to the SOP, the arguing counsel, including senior advocates, through their AoR or nodal counsel, nominated by the Bench, if any, shall file a brief note or written submission not exceeding five pages after serving a copy on the other side at least three days before the date of hearing.
“All counsel shall strictly adhere to the timelines fixed and conclude their oral arguments,” the circular, stated.
Summary:
The Supreme Court has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) aimed at improving the functioning of courts and ensuring the timely delivery of justice. The SOP outlines measures to streamline judicial processes, enhance efficiency, and reduce delays in case disposal. The move is expected to help courts manage workloads better and strengthen public confidence in the justice delivery system.