Supreme Court Issues SOP For Time-Bound Oral Arguments And Concise Written Submissions
Enhancing judicial efficiency through standardized timelines and mandatory five-page written submissions.
The Supreme Court of India has issued a circular dated December 29, 2025, introducing a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to enhance court management and the administration of justice.
This mandate requires Senior Advocates, arguing counsel, and Advocates-on-record to provide specific timelines for their oral arguments in all post-notice and Regular Hearing matters.
These timelines must be submitted through the designated online portal for Appearance Slips at least one day before the hearing begins.
"Senior Advocates, Arguing counsel and/or Advocate-on-record, shall submit the timelines for making oral arguments in all post-notice and Regular Hearing matters, at least a day prior to the commencement of the hearing of the case. The same shall be submitted to the Hon’ble Court through the online portal for submitting Appearance Slips already provided to the Advocate-on-Record,", the Circular stated.
To facilitate these timelines, counsel are now required to file a concise written submission or brief note that does not exceed five pages
It was directed, "Arguing counsel and/or Senior Advocates, through their Advocate-on- record or Nodal Counsel/s nominated by Hon’ble Court, if any, shall file a brief Note / written submission not exceeding five (5) pages, after serving its copy on the other side, at least three (3) days prior to the date of hearing, in order to ensure compliance of such timelime."
The circular said that these time-management protocols are to be followed with immediate effect. All legal practitioners are expected to strictly adhere to the timelines once they are fixed and must conclude their oral arguments within the specified duration.