Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud emphasized the importance of the Supreme Court Advocates on Records Association (SCAORA) and the vital role played by Advocates on Record (AoRs) in bridging the gap between the court and its various stakeholders. Speaking at the first SCAORA International Legal Conference, held on Saturday, CJI Chandrachud praised AoRs as an essential component in ensuring the smooth functioning of the judiciary.
He likened AoRs to the “oil that keeps the machine of the Supreme Court running smoothly,” while noting the complementary relationship between the bar and the bench. “We are mutual beneficiaries of each other and are here to learn from one another and to work towards the betterment of an independent and robust judiciary,” Chandrachud said, underscoring the collaborative nature of their roles.
As Chief Justice, Chandrachud has aimed to make the Supreme Court more accessible to the public. His reforms include leveraging technology to simplify tasks such as acquiring court passes, e-filing, and facilitating online appearances. However, he acknowledged that long-term institutional progress relies on a robust system that goes beyond individual players. He stressed that the system of appointing Advocates on Record was designed to ensure erudition and competence, and to outlast any individual leadership.
“AoRs are a vital stakeholder in all the decisions the Court makes and have a crucial voice in the Court’s administrative and judicial decision-making,” Chandrachud stated, reiterating their importance in ensuring justice is dispensed properly.
The CJI also stressed the heavy reliance the Supreme Court places on AoRs for drafting and providing comprehensive representation for their clients. He highlighted the role AoRs play in ensuring that cases are properly filed and explained, bridging the communication gap between clients and the Court. In cases where AoRs do not argue themselves, they must serve as the crucial link between the arguing lawyer and the Court, making sure all relevant information is effectively communicated.
In addition to their responsibilities in the courtroom, AoRs are instrumental in increasing access to the Supreme Court for litigants and lawyers. CJI Chandrachud acknowledged that for many litigants, AoRs are the sole point of contact for updates on their cases and navigating the court’s procedures.
While the Supreme Court has made significant strides in increasing accessibility through digitization, Chandrachud emphasized that AoRs still play a vital role in ensuring that clients and lawyers, particularly those from outside Delhi, find the Supreme Court to be a “friendly experience.”
In his address, the CJI also spoke about the challenges faced by junior lawyers in Delhi, mentioning a study he undertook in 2022 on the costs of living, housing, food, travel, and other expenses incurred by young professionals in the capital. Based on these findings, he made recommendations to improve the remuneration of law clerks and streamline the selection process. He urged senior lawyers to extend similar courtesies to their juniors, emphasizing the intertwined growth of the legal profession and the junior bar.
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