In a clear push towards faster and more disciplined hearings, the Supreme Court of India has introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that requires lawyers to strictly follow timelines while making oral arguments.
The circular, issued on December 29, 2025, applies to all post-notice and Regular Hearing matters and comes into force with immediate effect. The move follows growing concerns within the court about long, unstructured arguments eating into limited judicial hours.
Court’s Reasoning Behind the Move
According to the circular, the SOP has been framed to improve court management and ensure fair use of working hours. The objective, the registry noted, is to support the “speedy and proper administration of justice” by making hearings more predictable and efficient.
Officials said the directions were issued under the instructions of the Chief Justice of India along with all sitting judges, signalling a collective decision from the top court.
“The idea is simple,” a court official explained during the hearing day. “If the court knows in advance how much time a matter will take, it can plan better and hear more cases.”
What the SOP Requires from Lawyers
The new procedure places clear responsibilities on Senior Advocates, arguing counsel, and Advocates-on-Record (AORs).
First, lawyers must now submit an estimate of the time they will need for oral arguments at least one day before the hearing. This estimate has to be uploaded through the same online portal already used for filing appearance slips.
Second, the court has tightened rules around written submissions. Arguing counsel or Senior Advocates must file a brief written note, capped at five pages. This note must be submitted at least three days before the hearing and only after serving a copy on the opposing party.
The restriction on length, court officials indicated, is meant to ensure focus. Long written notes, often running into dozens of pages, were defeating the purpose of concise arguments.
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Strict Compliance Emphasised
Most notably, the circular makes it clear that timelines are no longer advisory.
“All counsel shall strictly adhere to the timelines fixed and conclude their oral arguments,” the directive states.
During discussions in the court corridors, several lawyers acknowledged that the message was unambiguous. One senior advocate remarked, “The court is clearly saying that time discipline is no longer optional.”
Immediate Implementation
The circular has been signed by senior registry officials representing technical, judicial administration, and judicial branches of the Supreme Court. Its immediate implementation reflects the court’s intent to change long-standing practices of extended oral arguments.
By enforcing advance planning and tighter submissions, the apex court has formally taken a step toward a more structured and time-bound hearing process, bringing its focus squarely back on efficiency and case disposal.
