'One For Your Kitchen, One For The Society' : CJI Sanjiv Khanna Tells Newly Qualified AoRs To Contribute Towards Social Work

 Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, today (February 21) congratulated the 356 newly qualified Advocates-on-Record (AOR) and spotlighted the significant role AORs play in giving back to society in the form of pro-bono or legal aid work.

The applications for induction of the newly qualified AoRs were listed before a  bench of CJI Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan.

"All the best to you! Supreme Court expects a lot from you. Justice Oka's judgement has pointed out your responsibility- please come up with our expectations! (smiles)", CJI Khanna said referring to the judgment delivered yesterday, which discussed the duties of AoRs.

"Our Court has litigation like no other Apex Court does. Litigation of diverse subjects! Everyday you see in the Court- right from family law to constitutional matters to environment matters, consumer protection...you name it and we have it! it gives you immense opportunity to do work," CJI added.

CJI also impressed upon the AoRs to take up pro-bono work for the society as well, apart from filing cases for livelihood.

"Also, please do one for your kitchen, one for the society, that would be good. Keep a track record of how much you are doing for them. Enrol yourself also if possible with the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee, all the best!" 

Justice KV Viswanathan also congratulated the AoRs, he said:  "Now that you all have become AORs, it's a great opportunity to ensure that the baton has passed on!" 

The CJI then shared his experience of drafting from his younger days, he highlighted how precision and articulation play a key role in effective arguments. 

"I was told to draft a petition, somewhere to be filed outside the Country. I was told to be brief, so I drafted.....the Advocate returned the file saying, we shortened it to just 3 grounds saying costs would be high! That's the art of drafting- how to put across your point in a short and effective manner can help a lot."