CJI Bars Senior Advocates from Mentioning Cases Starting August 11

Speedy Summary

• Starting August 11, 2025, Senior Advocates will not be allowed to mention cases for urgent listing and hearing before the chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai’s court.
• The directive was issued via a notice from the Supreme Court following CJI Gavai’s statement on August 6, advocating for juniors to get an opportunity to make such mentions.
• This reverts a previous practice reintroduced by CJI Gavai were oral mentioning of cases for urgent hearings was allowed, unlike his predecessor Justice Sanjiv Khanna who had mandated written or emailed requests instead.
• Mentioning matters involves lawyers requesting the CJI-led bench at the beginning of daily proceedings to list and hear their cases on grounds of urgency.
• The restriction applies specifically in CJI Gavai’s courtroom; it is optional for other apex court judges to adopt this change.

Indian Opinion Analysis

This move by CJI B.R. Gavai could symbolize an effort toward promoting inclusivity and professional growth within India’s legal fraternity. By allowing junior advocates more opportunities in court interactions, it not only encourages skill advancement but also helps level hierarchical practices that historically favor senior advocates. This decision may lead to more equitable depiction of lawyers in administrative processes.

However, certain practical concerns arise around efficiency and preparedness when juniors handle such critical mentions compared to senior advocates with greater experience. If adopted widely across courts, this policy could reshape conventional power dynamics within legal advocacy while putting added emphasis on mentorship and readiness among younger professionals.

Read more: The Hindu Article