The Supreme Court of India recently underscored its commitment to treating all advocates equally, regardless of their rank or designation, by denying an adjournment request. The request was made because the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) was engaged in another courtroom. A bench consisting of Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva addressed the issue, firmly stating that the court’s decisions are unaffected by the seniority or designation of the legal professionals appearing before it.
Justice BV Nagarathna articulated the court’s stance succinctly, stating, “Whether it’s the ASG, the Solicitor General, or any other counsel, our orders remain consistent. The presence of a senior counsel does not alter our judgment. Communicate this to your ASG. We don’t issue different orders based on who appears. In our courtroom, every counsel is equal.”
Justice Nagarathna emphasized that the court’s primary concern is the quality of legal assistance provided, not the prestige or level of the advocate’s position. She highlighted that the court occasionally experiences disappointment when senior counsels, who are expected to offer substantial legal assistance, end up contributing more noise than value.
“We sometimes notice the gown and think ‘senior counsel,’ yet they might not provide the expected level of support. Conversely, when a junior advocate offers excellent assistance, we issue what we believe to be our best orders and feel satisfied with the proceedings. It can be frustrating when a senior counsel fails to deliver meaningful help,” Justice Nagarathna observed.
This incident reaffirms the Supreme Court’s dedication to impartiality and fairness in its judicial processes, emphasizing that the merits of a case, rather than the rank of the appearing advocate, are paramount in judicial considerations.
