From the Editor's Desk

The Supreme Court of India has issued a fresh circular mandating advance submission of oral-argument timelines and written notes in a move aimed at improving court management, ensuring an equitable distribution of working hours, and speeding up the administration of justice.

As per the circular (F. No. 29/Judl./2025) dated 29.12.2025, the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) comes into force with immediate effect and applies to “all post-notice and Regular Hearing matters.”

Also Read: Criminal Case Pendency Cannot Indefinitely Bar Passport Renewal When Trial Court Has Permitted Renewal: Supreme Court

What changes for lawyers

1) Advance timelines for oral submissions:
Senior Advocates, arguing counsel and/or the Advocate-on-Record (AOR) must submit proposed timelines for oral arguments at least one day before the hearing begins. The timelines must be submitted to the Court through the online portal used for filing appearance slips available to the AOR.

2) A brief written note capped at five pages:
Arguing counsel and/or Senior Advocates—through their AOR or any nodal counsel nominated by the Court—must file a brief note/written submission not exceeding five pages, after serving a copy on the other side, at least three days prior to the hearing date.

Also Read: Commercial Courts Act Section 13(2) Non-Obstante Clause Prevails Over Delhi High Court Act Section 10; Delhi High Court Dismisses Arbitration Appeals As Not Maintainable

3) Strict adherence to allotted time:
The circular emphasizes that all counsel must strictly adhere to the timelines fixed and conclude oral arguments within the allotted schedule.

The Court said the SOP is intended to facilitate “effective Court Management” and “equitable distribution of Court working hours,” while also ensuring “speedy and proper administration of justice,” in line with directions of the Chief Justice of India and the Judges of the Supreme Court.