A recent decision by a Supreme Court (SC) Bench resulted in a Rs 2,000 penalty imposed on an Advocate-on-Record (AoR) for sending an unprepared junior to appear before the Bench without necessary documents. The concept of AoR was introduced by the SC under Article 145(1) of the Indian Constitution, granting it the authority to establish rules for regulating court practices and procedures. An “Advocate on record” is a designated title for advocates eligible to represent cases before the SC, file documents, and act on behalf of parties in the SC. To become an AoR, advocates must meet specific criteria, including state bar enrollment, four years of experience, one year of training under a senior AoR, passing an SC examination, and maintaining an office in Delhi near the SC.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Supreme Court Bench: A panel of judges appointed to hear and decide on cases in the Supreme Court of India, responsible for issuing rulings and judgments.
- Article 145(1) of the Indian Constitution: The constitutional provision granting the Supreme Court the authority to create rules and regulations governing its practices and procedures.
- Vakalatnama: A legal document that authorizes an advocate to act on behalf of a party in a legal proceeding, outlining the advocate’s authority to represent the client’s interests in court.
- State Bar Council: A statutory body in India responsible for regulating the legal profession and legal education within a particular state or territory.
- Unique Identification Number: A distinct identifier issued to Advocate-on-Record (AoR) upon registration, which must be included on all documents filed in the Supreme Court, ensuring accountability and traceability.