SCAORA Highlights AORs' Difficulties In Translating Documents, Requests CJI To Re-Establish Official Pool Of Translators In SC

The Supreme Court Advocates-On-Record Association (“SCAORA”) today addressed a letter to Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna bringing his attention to the significant challenges faced by Advocates-on-Record (AORs) in obtaining accurate and reliable translations of annexures and supporting documents required for submissions before the Supreme Court.

On behalf of SCAORA, Mr. Vipin Nair, President of SCAORA addressed the letter to CJI proposing the re-establishment of an official pool of translators within the Supreme Court premises, as was the practice earlier.

The letter is seen as an aftermath of yesterday's hearing before the bench comprising Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice Aravind Kumar where the Court orally took a strong critical stand against the incorrect and mistranslated documents filed before it.

The SCAORA flagged concern about AORs being often compelled to seek translations from external sources, which are expensive and prone to errors.

Further, the letter stated the absence of a standardized translation facility forces AORs to rely on private translators, leading to inflated costs. This financial burden is ultimately passed on to litigants, making justice less accessible.

In this regard, the Association requests to re-establish an official pool of translators within the Supreme Court premises, as was the practice earlier.

The primary objectives of this initiative would be:

1. Recognized Source: Providing Advocates-on-Record with access to certified translators who can ensure accuracy, reliability, and adherence to legal terminologies.

2. Fixed Pricing: Establishing a uniform and standardized fee structure to ensure affordability and prevent overcharging.

3. Convenience: Facilitating prompt and efficient translation services within the Supreme Court premises to expedite filings and reduce procedural delays.

4. Consistency and Quality Assurance: Ensuring that translations provided are legally sound, consistent, and admissible before this Hon 'ble Court.

The Association believes that establishing such a facility is in conformity with the provisions of Order VII Rules 2-4 of the Supreme Court Rules, 2013 and will significantly enhance the efficiency of legal proceedings and benefit both the Bar and the Bench.

The Association also requested the Court consider granting access to the software used by the Supreme Court to translate judgments from vernacular to the Advocates on Record through their AOR Code or through a password issued similar to e-filing portal, which will not only ensure the quality of the translation is consistent with the standards maintained by this

Direction To High Courts To Make Available Vernacular Documents In English Before Final Arguments

The Association also requested CJI to issue directions to all High Courts mandating that vernacular documents, particularly in criminal matters (e.g., FIRs, charge sheets, and trial court orders), be made available in English before final arguments.

Alternatively, the Association requested to direct State governments to appoint official translators in every district court to translate vernacular documents and pleadings at the first stage of litigation. This facility could be availed by litigants at a cost, similar to certified copies.