New Delhi, Apr 15 (UNI) The Supreme Court has initiated the process to amend the SC Rules, 2013 and has invited suggestions from stakeholders in the justice delivery system to ensure a comprehensive overhaul of existing procedures.
A circular issued by the top court and uploaded on its official website on Tuesday seeks feedback from all concerned parties.
The circular states that the Supreme Court Rules Amendment Committee is currently considering specific amendments to the 2013 Rules.
In a bid to make this exercise inclusive and exhaustive, the Court has urged stakeholders to submit their views or suggestions pertaining to the Rules and/or the Handbook on Practice and Procedure and Office Procedure, 2017.
Suggestions are to be sent via email only to the Committee at reg.admnmaterial@sci.nic.in by May 1, 2025. Submissions in hard copy form will not be entertained.
This move comes shortly after a significant judgment delivered by a bench comprising Justice Bela M. Trivedi and Justice S.C. Sharma, concerning the proper recording of advocates’ appearances in court proceedings.
Emphasizing adherence to the existing Supreme Court Rules, 2013, the bench clarified that only those advocates physically present and arguing in court, namely Senior Advocates, Advocates-on-Record, or Advocates, will have their appearances recorded.
Additionally, only one assisting Advocate or Advocate-on-Record for each arguing counsel may be recorded, as per Form 30 prescribed under the SC Rules.
The Court noted that the integrity of the court’s records must be preserved and cautioned against the casual or symbolic listing of names.
Reinforcing this stance, Justice B.R. Gavai recently expressed strong disapproval when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) appeared unprepared during the final hearing of appeals in the Nithari Kand case involving the accused Surendra Koli.
Justice Gavai observed that if appearances are merely for namesake, the bench may consider adopting the stricter approach which is advocated by the bench of Justice Trivedi.
This ongoing push toward procedural discipline and transparency comes amid wider efforts by the Supreme Court to modernise and finetune its functioning.
UNI SNG CS