Quality of justice at Supreme Court depends on quality of Advocates-on-Record: Justice AS Oka

Justice AS Oka of the Supreme Court recently emphasized the critical role played by Advocates-on-Record (AoRs) in the functioning of the Supreme Court of India.

Justice Oka underscored that the quality of justice delivered by the apex court is closely tied to the competence of AoRs.

"I believe one thing - the quality of justice rendered by the Supreme Court will always depend on quality of our Advocates-on-Record," he said.

To elucidate, Justice Oka pointed out that if petitions are comprehensive, with all relevant dates and documents properly annexed, unnecessary adjournments could be avoided.

"If you file your counter within time, there won't be any adjournment. If you file your rejoinder within time, there won't be any adjournment," he added.

According to Justice Oka, enhancing the quality of justice is not solely dependent on the judiciary but also on the diligence and professionalism of AoRs.

"Ultimately, if the standard or quality of justice rendered by the Supreme Court is to be enhanced, the Advocates-on-Record will have to stand tall, and they will have to improve the quality of their work and advocacy, without which the judges won't be able to do anything," he explained.

Justice Oka was speaking at the First Supreme Court Advocates on Record Internal Legal Conference being held in Goa from October 19 to 20.

Justice Oka underscored that the common man can approach the Supreme Court only through AoRs, making them an indispensable part of the justice delivery system.

"That is where the role of AoRs is so important, and therefore, AoRs must be very well equipped with sound knowledge of law and procedures," Justice Oka said.

Justice Oka also raised concerns over the increasing costs of litigation, particularly the fees charged by Senior Advocates. While acknowledging that he had only "hearsay knowledge" of these fees, he noted that many ordinary citizens may not be able to afford them.

He said that AoRs, therefore, need to be well-equipped not only with a sound knowledge of the law but also with the skills to argue cases themselves.

"Most of the litigants can not afford to engage Senior Advocates to argue their cases, and that is where not only the Advocate-on-Record must be very well equipped with law, but he must also learn the art of advocacy," he said.