'Don't Just File Cases & Engage Seniors, Be Ready To Argue Also' : CJI To Newly Inducted Advocates-on-Record

In a very first-of-its-kind initiative, the Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, today (January 19) sat as a chamber judge to allow the registration of 170 new Advocates-on-Record, who cleared the AoR examination in December 2023. 198 advocates cleared the 2023 AoR exam conducted by the Supreme Court. Applications of 170 new AoRs were listed before the CJI.

Generally, AoR registration applications are listed before puisne judges. This is the first time a Chief Justice of India has dealt with new AoR applications.

In his welcome note, the Chief Justice spoke about the serious responsibilities bestowed on the shoulders of an AoR. CJI Chandrachud said that AoRs should not be just filing cases and engaging seniors, but should also be prepared to argue their cases.

The CJI also shared his delight to see that many women lawyers have passed the difficult examination and become AORs.

“ I am so delighted at the number of women who have become AORs. That's a sign of the changing times, it a sign of the changing profession … One day I'll see many of you coming this side of the bench and I am sure all of you will have very successful careers in law”

The CJI impressed upon the young AoRs about the responsibilities that they have on their shoulders as the 'Officers of the Court'. On passing one of the most complex exams in the law fraternity, the CJI remarked the young lawyers to be one of the best in the profession and reminded them that :

“Big responsibility I am placing on your shoulders. As AoRs, you have appeared for a very difficult examination. The fact that you have qualified shows that you are among the best in this profession. You will be from today treated as the officers of the Court, whom courts will look up to. You are OUR advocate on record, and you are not just an AoR representing a client. So please remember that you owe a duty towards the Court above anyone else, a duty to the cause of justice.”

He further explained that being young AoRs, the lawyers should not hesitate in presenting a case in the absence of a senior as what matters is the cause of justice for the aggrieved litigants in the end.

“Please take your role with great seriousness. Do not just say 'I'll be engaging a senior, therefore I can just file the matter and sleep over it'. That's not how an AoR should be. All of you will have a great opportunity of presenting cases before the court. Take your cases very seriously. Even if your senior is not there in the court, please be ready with your matters, because, you trust me, that no judge will in that sense dismiss the case to the detriment of the client merely because the AOR was a very young AoR, because we are all conscious of the fact that behind the advocate lies the face, the life, the story of a human being who has caused the advocate to represent. So argue your cases with confidence, always be well prepared, be very fair to the court".

He reminded the new AORs that "reputations are built over time but reputation can be destroyed at a beak of a pen".

He further emphasised the importance for young lawyers to stand up for the truth and to set high standards for themselves which would eventually garner respect from the bench and opponents.

The CJI expressed, “It is one thing for the courts to find out that the lawyer is not telling the truth, but your opponents know whether you are a lawyer who always states the correct facts, the truth before the court. The profession has become very competitive and it is important that keep yourself abreast with the latest developments of the law, and the various fields of the law.”

Suggesting to the young AoRs to learn from the courtroom observations, CJI Chandrachud added, “The greatest teacher in the Court is actually what happens in the Courtroom. Some of my best life lessons I have learnt just sitting in the second or third row as a young junior, watching the greats of the bar argue and I had no work and I would just sit there seeing the greats arguing in court. I understood from them, how to argue a civil appeal, how to argue a complex constitutional matter etc”

One of the senior lawyers present in the address also mentioned to the CJI how this initiative in his 25 years of practice as a lawyer was much appreciated, “ We are very thankful to my lord that in history, this is the first time happening before this court my lord. The first time Your Lordship has taken this initiative, It will be a great achievement for the new AORs, Your Lordship has given them blessings to come over their (inaudible) with their energy and labour”.