Supreme Court's Tightened Guidelines on Adjournments
In a significant move, the Supreme Court recently issued a circular aiming to redefine the landscape around the adjournment culture prevalent in legal proceedings. These new guidelines seek to address the challenges associated with the routine seeking of adjournments and introduce measures to enhance professionalism and expedite judicial outcomes.
Departure from Leniency
The circular, issued on a Wednesday, imposes stricter provisions on the circumstances under which lawyers can seek adjournments. Notably, it places a bar on seeking two consecutive adjournments, marking a departure from the lenient practices observed earlier. The court emphasized that lawyers must obtain the opposing side's consent before circulating a request for an adjournment, adding a layer of accountability to the process.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, in his foundation day lecture on the Supreme Court’s 75th year, highlighted the challenges posed by the prevalent "adjournment culture." I believe the recent circular reflects a proactive response to this concern. It specifically addresses circumstances where letters for adjournment will not be entertained, such as in cases related to bail/anticipatory bail, cases with an operating interim order, or those seeking suspension of sentence.
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The Transition
Moreover, the guidelines introduce a standardized form to be filled out when requesting an adjournment, streamlining the information-sharing process. This move aligns with CJI Chandrachud's call for a shift from an "adjournment culture" to a "culture of professionalism." The intention is clear: to curb the misuse of adjournments and ensure a more efficient legal process.
A noteworthy aspect I have observed is the requirement that matters adjourned must be listed before the court within four weeks, discouraging prolonged delays. The circular aims to instill discipline in the legal proceedings and deter unnecessary adjournments, fostering a culture of expeditious justice.
This development emphasizes the judiciary's commitment to adapting and improving its practices. By acknowledging the challenges and addressing them head-on, the Supreme Court sets a precedent for a more accountable and professional legal system. These guidelines represent a step towards aligning the judiciary with contemporary demands and ensuring the timely delivery of justice in India's dynamic legal environment.