Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has issued a stern warning to the nation’s newest batch of Advocates-on-Record (AoR), emphasizing that the ethical obligations of the legal profession cannot be outsourced to artificial intelligence or third-party entities. Speaking at an induction ceremony on Friday, the CJI reminded the practitioners that their designation is not merely a title but a position of profound responsibility as “officers of the court.”
Under Article 145 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court of India mandates that only designated Advocates-on-Record are permitted to plead on behalf of parties before the top court. This exclusive status is granted only after candidates successfully navigate a rigorous examination conducted by the Supreme Court itself.
CJI Kant characterized the role of an AoR as a “significant milestone” in a lawyer’s career. He noted that they serve as the primary link between litigants and the highest court in the land, a position that requires unwavering diligence.
In an era of rapid technological advancement, the Chief Justice was explicit regarding the use of external aids. He urged the new inductees to perform all legal drafting personally, cautioned against the growing temptation to rely on AI or external third parties for core legal work.
“Do not treat filing as a routine exercise. Read every brief carefully,” the CJI advised. He noted that every petition bearing an AoR’s name acts as a direct reflection of their professional judgment and integrity.
To maintain the prestige and efficacy of the Supreme Court, the CJI outlined several critical mandates for the new batch:
- Personal Diligence: Pleadings must be properly drafted and facts meticulously verified.
- Independence: AoRs must avoid filing matters based solely on instructions from other counsels without conducting their own independent due diligence.
- Sound Foundations: Legal grounds for every petition must remain sound and well-researched.
The CJI further emphasized that while seniority is gained over time, “professional credibility must be established from the very first day.” He identified honesty, thorough preparation, and deep respect for the judicial institution as the pillars of a successful practice. Punctuality and clarity in submissions were also highlighted as essential traits for effectively assisting the bench.
