SCBA, SCAORA call for restriction on entry of law interns in Supreme Court premises

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) recently requested the Supreme Court to restrict the entry of law interns into the apex court premises..A letter by SCBA Secretary Vikrant Yadav to Supreme Court Secretary General said that since the introduction of the online pass facility, many interns have been visiting the Supreme Court, which has led to overcrowding."They spend time in the Libraries, Canteens, Corridors and other areas, which has led to overcrowding," the SCBA stated.Due to the paucity of space, SCBA members are left without adequate seating, it was pointed out.."Since Online facility has been extended by the Supreme Court thus, physical attendance may be restricted for Interns. This issue warrants urgent and immediate attention. Therefore, you are requested to instruct the concerned department to restrict the entry of interns in Supreme Court Compound in High Security Zone," the letter read..The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) has also written to the Secretary General of the Supreme Court calling for the restriction on entry of law interns."Instead of viewing their visit as an educational experience, many of the interns occupy Libraries and canteens and stand in a group in the corridors, often making it difficult for the bar members to use the facilities or even walk/stand in the corridor on account of constrained space," the letter sent by Secretary Nikhil Jain stated..In its letter, SCAORA made the following suggestions to address the issue of overcrowding:(i) One Advocate on Record to allow only one Intern in the Supreme Court premises on a given day.(ii) Entry of interns to be entirely restricted only Wednesday or Thursday post lunch.(iii) To avoid entry of interns into Libraries, Cafeterias, and Bar Rooms, despite restrictions, a designated space/room ought to be earmarked where the Interns can keep their belongings, sit while doing research or other work during court hours, or have their lunch..[Read Letters]