A significant change in court procedure is set to take effect on August 11, 2025, as Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai has announced that senior advocates will no longer be permitted to mention cases for urgent listing and hearing in his court. This decision is aimed at leveling the playing field and providing junior lawyers with more opportunities to present cases and gain experience in the Supreme Court.
The practice of oral mentioning, where lawyers seek urgent or out-of-turn listings by presenting their cases before the CJI-led bench at the start of each day's proceedings, is a long-standing tradition. CJI Gavai had recently restored this practice after his predecessor, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, required lawyers to submit requests for urgent listings via email or written letters. Now, CJI Gavai is modifying the oral mentioning practice by restricting the ability to make such requests to non-designated advocates.
CJI Gavai stated that there has been significant demand to limit the practice of senior counsels mentioning cases. To formalize this change, he has instructed court staff to issue a notice stating that, beginning Monday, senior advocates will be barred from mentioning cases for urgent listing and hearing in his court. This move is intended to allow junior advocates to step forward and gain valuable courtroom experience.
Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, who was present in court to mention a case, voiced his support for the change, provided that it applies equally to all senior lawyers. CJI Gavai clarified that this rule will be implemented in his court, while other Supreme Court judges may choose whether or not to adopt the same practice.
This decision is seen as an effort to democratize courtroom access and encourage younger members of the Bar to take initiative. By giving junior lawyers the chance to argue for urgent listings, the CJI is fostering a more inclusive environment within the legal profession. The move has been welcomed by many in the legal community, who believe it will help to develop the skills and confidence of the next generation of lawyers.