"Advocates Don't Gain Repute Based On Whom They Are Related To, But By Being Prepared & Arguing Well": SC Tells Junior Counsel

The remark came when the bench of Justices Chandrachud and M. R. Shah was poised to proceed with the hearing of a matter but the junior counsel sought an adjournment on the ground that the senior advocate was engaged in another court.

"Judges respect you as an advocate when you show them you are ready with the matter, not because you are somebody's daughter or son. We always remember young lawyers who argue well and ensure that such capable juniors get more opportunities", continued the judge.

"As a judge at the Gujarat High Court, I always encouraged young advocates. The senior counsel started accusing me of being more generous towards the juniors!", added Justice Shah in good humour. He urged the junior advocate before the bench to at least commence arguments in the matter, that she would not train in the art of advocacy and progress in her career otherwise and that the junior lawyers should not confine themselves to being adjournment-seeking counsel.

"When I was practising before the Bombay High Court, once I had sought to pray for an adjournment without having the files with me. A senior advocate then told me that one should never appear before a judge without the file because it gives off a bad impression. I never forgot this", Justice Chandrachud told the junior counsel.

"It is not that we are upset, we only want to encourage you to perform. Being well-prepared is the only way your reputation will come to grow over time. It has nothing to do with any other consideration", added the judge.

The bench then continued to hear the matter, beginning with the opposite party and insisting that the said junior make arguments subsequently.