“Senior Lawyers Can’t Mention Cases For Urgent Hearing In My Court From Aug 11”: CJI Gavai

Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai

Chief Justice of India B R Gavai on Wednesday announced a significant change in court procedure, stating that starting August 11, designated senior advocates will no longer be allowed to mention urgent matters for listing and hearing before his court.

The move aims to give junior lawyers greater visibility and opportunity in courtroom proceedings.

Move To Empower Junior Lawyers

“There is a great demand that no matters should be mentioned by senior counsel(s),” CJI Gavai remarked in open court.

He instructed court staff to issue an official notice stating that from Monday, senior advocates would be barred from making oral mentions for urgent listings. “Let juniors get an opportunity to do it,” the CJI added.

The practice of oral mentioning—where lawyers request urgent hearings or out-of-turn listings at the beginning of the court day—is a daily ritual in the Supreme Court. By reserving this space for junior lawyers, the CJI is signaling an effort to democratize access and court presence.

When CJI Gavai took over on May 14, he restored the practice of oral mentioning for urgent matters—a shift from the policy of his predecessor, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who had required all such requests to be submitted via email or written note.

While welcoming oral submissions back into practice, CJI Gavai is now modifying the process to prioritize younger lawyers in the system.

Singhvi Responds, CJI Clarifies Scope

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who was present in court to mention a case, responded to the announcement, saying, “I have no problem so long as it applies to all senior lawyers.”

CJI Gavai confirmed that the rule will be implemented strictly in his court, and it will be up to other benches and judges to adopt the same approach if they choose.

“This will be practised at least in my court,” he said.

Context

Oral mentions serve as a channel for lawyers to highlight the urgency of matters and seek expedited listings. These slots are typically dominated by senior advocates, but the new directive aims to level the playing field for juniors, giving them direct access to the bench and greater courtroom exposure.