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Justice Surya Kant Constitutes Committee to Address SCAORA's Registry Grievances in Supreme Court
In a significant step aimed at streamlining the daily interaction between the Bar and the Registry of the , Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant has constituted a high-level committee to examine the persistent grievances voiced by advocates. The decision comes in response to a formal request by the , which had sought an to address faced by its members. The committee, headed by Supreme Court Secretary General Bharat Parashar, will evaluate issues relating to , , , , , and other procedural matters that have long been a source of friction between advocates and the Registry.
Background: The Bar-Registry Dynamic
The relationship between the Bar and the Registry is crucial for the smooth functioning of the court. Advocates, particularly advocates-on-record who are authorised to file matters in the Supreme Court, regularly encounter obstacles such as arbitrary defect markings, delays in
, inconsistent
practices, and lack of transparency in the
process. These issues not only cause frustration but can also delay justice, as cases get stuck in procedural loops. SCAORA, representing the elite group of advocates-on-record, has repeatedly raised these concerns over the years. In its letter dated
, SCAORA President
highlighted that
"members had repeatedly raised concerns regarding the
and
process,
and curing,
and other procedural issues."
The association argued that a structured mechanism involving representatives of both the Registry and the Bar could help identify the difficulties and arrive at practical solutions.
The Committee: Composition and Mandate
The committee comprises Dr Ajit Atri, Registrar (Judicial ); Rajesh Sharma, Registrar (Judicial Administration-I); Vishal, Registrar (Judicial Administration-II); a representative of the ; and a representative of SCAORA. This composition ensures that both the Registry’s operational perspective and the Bar’s practical experience are represented. Secretary General Parashar, in a letter dated , requested SCAORA to nominate its representative to the committee, signalling the formal start of the process. The committee is expected to examine not only the specific grievances raised but also the broader procedural framework governing the and of cases. It can recommend changes to the , standardise guidelines, and suggest technological improvements to the system.
Analysis: Institutionalising
The formation of this committee marks a significant shift from ad-hoc representations to a formal, structured dialogue. Previously, advocates had to rely on informal channels or occasional interactions with the registry officials to resolve issues. Now, a dedicated committee with fixed membership provides a predictable platform for raising concerns. The inclusion of senior registrars from different verticals—, administration-I, and administration-II—indicates that the Registry is taking the matter seriously. Moreover, the presence of both SCBA and SCAORA representatives ensures that the views of both the general bar and the specialist advocates-on-record are incorporated. This could set a precedent for other High Courts facing similar challenges.
Potential Impact on Legal Practice
If the committee succeeds, advocates can expect a more predictable and less adversarial
process. Standardised
would reduce the incidence of frivolous rejections, saving time and resources. Faster
and
would directly contribute to quicker case disposal. For law firms and litigants, this means lower litigation costs and reduced uncertainty. SCAORA, in a communication to its members, expressed hope that
"the initiative would help bridge the gap between the Bar and the Registry and facilitate faster resolution of issues faced by advocates."
The association also assured the Chief Justice that it would extend cooperation and provide inputs. The Bar can also look forward to better communication from the Registry, possibly through regular bulletins or updated practice notes.
Broader Implications for Judicial Administration
This development underscores the importance of administrative responsiveness within the judiciary. The Chief Justice of India’s proactive intervention signals that the top court is willing to listen to the Bar’s concerns and improve its internal processes. Efficient registry operations are essential for the entire justice delivery system; delays at the stage often cascade into longer case pendency. By addressing these micro-level obstacles, the committee can contribute to the larger goal of reducing the Supreme Court’s backlog. Furthermore, the involvement of Secretary General Bharat Parashar, who oversees the entire registry, adds weight to the exercise and ensures that recommendations are implemented at the highest administrative level.
Conclusion
The committee is expected to hold its first meeting soon. While its terms of reference have not been publicly detailed, the mandate broadly covers all procedural issues. Legal professionals will be watching closely to see whether this leads to concrete reforms. As SCAORA noted, such an
could
"strengthen the working relationship between the Bar and the Registry and contribute to a more efficient administration of justice."
This move by Justice Surya Kant reflects a growing recognition that a responsive judiciary is one that listens not only through its judgments but also through its day-to-day administration. For advocates across the country, this is a welcome step towards a more collaborative and user-friendly court experience.
