Supreme Court restricts Intern access in high security zones on key hearing days; cites overcrowding
In response to concerns raised by Senior Advocates over severe overcrowding in courtrooms and corridors, the Supreme Court has approved a request by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) to restrict law interns' access on Miscellaneous hearing days; Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.
The decision follows a letter dated July 23, 2025, from the SCBA highlighting that the presence of a large number of interns was hampering the movement and functioning of regular practitioners, particularly senior advocates.
The letter specifically pointed out difficulties faced by Advocates in navigating from one courtroom to another, in libraries and corridors, and instances where interns allegedly refused to vacate seats when requested.
"In many instances, interns are not vacating seats even when requested by members of the Bar, thereby causing further inconvenience to practicing advocates," the letter reads.
Acting on the SCBA’s plea, the Competent Authority has directed that while interns may continue to access the Court premises, corridors, and other facilities on Regular hearing days, Wednesdays and Thursdays, they will no longer be permitted inside courtrooms on the aforementioned miscellaneous days.
The Registry has also been directed to ensure smooth implementation of the restriction in coordination with security and administrative staff.
The SCBA had urged that the restriction be imposed at the earliest, stating, “Significant congestion in the Courtrooms and Court Corridors is largely attributed to the high number of interns present on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays… Members of the Bar, especially Senior Advocates, have raised repeated concerns.”