The Supreme Court Advocates On Record Association (SCAORA) has officially addressed procedural concerns to the Supreme Court’s Secretary General, signaling a significant discontent among its members over current administrative processes. Over 100 lawyers signed a letter detailing various procedural hurdles that they encounter, particularly with case filings and listings.
The letter, endorsed by 137 lawyers, criticizes the Supreme Court’s registry for what is described as sluggish responses to defect notifications and the subsequent rectification process after cases are filed online. This includes delays from the time a diary number is generated until defects are addressed, which can be crucial for the timely processing of cases.
SCAORA’s representation highlighted several key areas needing attention. Among them is the verification process of cases post-filing, which lawyers find inefficient and sluggish. The association has called for the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to streamline communications, suggesting that emails should be used to notify lawyers of any defects in their petitions promptly.
Additionally, the letter pointed out delays in updating scanned copies of the paper-book, which contains the records and documents related to petitions. This issue is particularly problematic as it affects the preparation and strategy of legal teams.
The grievances raised by SCAORA underscore a growing frustration within the legal community regarding the administrative aspects of the judiciary, which they feel hampers their ability to effectively represent their clients. The call for more robust and timely procedural measures is seen as a step towards enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of legal proceedings at India’s apex court.
