Supreme Court Mandates Advance Timelines and Written Notes for Oral Arguments

The Supreme Court has issued a new Standard Operating Procedure prescribing timelines for oral arguments in all post-notice and regular hearing matters.

As per a circular dated December 29, Senior Advocates and arguing counsel must indicate in advance the time they propose to take for oral submissions through the Court’s online appearance slip portal, at least one day before the hearing.

The Court said the measure is aimed at better court management, fair use of judicial time and expeditious disposal of cases.

It has also made it mandatory to file brief written submissions, limited to five pages, at least three days prior to the hearing after serving a copy on the opposite side.