“Let Young Lawyers Come”: Supreme Court Bench Bars Senior Advocates During Vacation Sitting
The Supreme Court vacation bench barred senior advocates from making oral mentions, with Justice Vikram Nath stating that only young lawyers and Advocates-on-Record would be heard during partial court working days
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The Supreme Court on Monday witnessed a sharp exchange in court after a Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice PB Varale refused to permit senior advocates to appear or mention matters during partial court working days.
The Bench made it clear that the restriction would apply throughout the vacation sitting, stating that the move was intended to give greater opportunity to younger members of the Bar and Advocates-on-Record (AoR).
Senior Advocate Siddharth Dave objected after being informed that he would not be permitted to appear in matters listed during the vacation period. “There is no holiday, these are partial court working days. In these matters, notice was issued last week. We have to appear, we are forced to,” Dave submitted, requesting permission to argue.
Justice Vikram Nath responded that such requests should be made before the Chief Justice of India and noted the heavy workload during the vacation roster. “Please make a request before the CJI. We have 55 matters today… I have no senior policy in summer vacation since last 3-4 years,” the judge observed.
When Dave stated that the Bar was not aware of the restriction, Justice Nath declined to relent. “No. No,” the judge said firmly.
As another senior counsel attempted to mention a matter, Justice Nath reiterated his position in lighter vein, asking the Court Master to clear senior advocates from the courtroom. “You’re a Senior Designate… Court-master—Yeh sab seniors ko baahar nikalo,” he remarked, prompting brief laughter in court.
Dave again sought permission, stating that senior counsel had been engaged in matters where notice had already been issued. However, the Bench maintained its stance. “Let young lawyers come. No senior advocate is permitted to appear in my court during partial working days,” Justice Nath said.
The judge added that the practice had been consistently followed by his Bench during previous summer vacations and was not a new directive. “Everybody knows. For the past 4 years I am following this. Mr Courtmaster, please have the senior advocates leave the court,” he said.
The Bench also declined permission to Senior Advocate Sanjay Hegde in another matter, directing that submissions be made through instructing counsel instead.
Justice Nath further refused oral mentions by senior advocates during the session, stating that even in cases where they were previously engaged, appearances would not be permitted during vacation sittings.