22 Aug 2023 10:51 AM GMT
The Supreme Court registry today(Aug 22) issued a circular detailing comprehensive guidelines to streamline the process of filing written submissions and compilations before constitution benches and important final hearing cases.
The guidelines, laid out in a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), are set to provide a structured framework for filing soft copies of written submissions and creating common compilations of essential documents, rules, precedents, and timelines for oral arguments.
There will be a nomination of a nodal counsel, comprising an advocate-on-record (AOR) representing each side. This designated counsel will take on the responsibility of coordinating with all lawyers involved in the case. The circular mandates the filing of electronic versions of five volumes, each fulfilling a specific purpose:
Volume 1: Written submission of the petitioner.
Volume 2: Written submission of the respondent.
Volume 3: Compilation of relevant documents, including pleadings, affidavits, and orders that constitute the case's record.
Volume 4: Statutory enactments and research materials that support arguments.
Volume 5: Precedents and judgments, arranged by topic or chronologically, along with neutral citations. Additionally, PDF copies of foreign cases are required to be included.
The guidelines also highlight that any additional materials must be filed only with the court's permission.
Moreover, the practice directions outline precise formatting requirements:
The circular also addresses the timeline for oral arguments: