Big change in Supreme Court: Now senior lawyers will not be able to mention cases immediately; juniors will get a chance

From August 11, senior advocates can’t orally mention cases before CJI’s bench – only junior lawyers permitted. Move aims to equalize opportunities. Earlier practice was stopped by ex-CJI Khanna, revived by CJI Gavai with new restrictions.

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai has made a big change in the practice of the Supreme Court by taking an important decision. He announced that from 11 August 2025, no senior advocate (senior advocate) will be allowed to list cases on an urgent basis or mention them orally in his court. This step of the CJI has been taken with the aim of giving more opportunities to junior lawyers so that new lawyers also get an equal chance to present their cases in the court.

What is the new system?

Senior Lawyers will not get the permission: Now no senior advocate can directly mention the case in the court of CJI.

Priority to juniors: New lawyers will be given an opportunity to get their cases listed and presented for hearing.

Instructions to Court Master: CJI Gavai ordered the Court Master to issue a notice in this regard so that all the lawyers can get information about this new process.

Why was this decision taken?

CJI Gavai said that "There was a lot of demand that the mention of cases by senior lawyers should be banned." He believes that this will create an atmosphere of equal opportunity in the court, and young lawyers will also get a platform to put forward their views.

Reaction of senior lawyers

Well-known senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that if this rule is applied equally to all senior lawyers, then he has no objection. However, CJI Gavai clarified that for the time being this system will be applicable only in his court. Other judges can adopt it if they want, but it will depend on their wish.

What was the practice earlier?

System of oral mention: Lawyers used to mention their cases before the CJI's bench before the court proceedings began so that they could get an immediate hearing.

Stopped by former CJI Sanjiv Khanna: Earlier, former CJI Sanjiv Khanna had stopped this practice and instructed lawyers to send emails or written applications.

Restarted by CJI Gavai: Later CJI Gavai revived this system, but now it has been changed so that only junior lawyers will be able to mention cases.