Madras, December 18: Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy of the Madras High Court has formulated a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to expedite the disposal of pending cases by enhancing court efficiency and minimizing procedural delays.
The SOP focuses on reducing unnecessary mentions, streamlining adjournment practices, and prioritizing early listings.
Key highlights include:
Motion Slips for New Cases: Lawyers can now directly obtain motion slips from the Court Officer for moving lunch motions or listing fresh cases for the following day. Justice Chakravarthy urged lawyers to use these slips judiciously.
Prioritization of Pending Cases: A dedicated register in the court hall enables lawyers to list pending cases they wish to prioritize. These cases will be scheduled promptly, particularly on Thursdays and Fridays.
Adjournment Rules: Early morning mentions for adjournments are now discontinued. Instead, adjournments may be sought only when a case reaches the bench. If counsel is unavailable, the matter will be revisited after the lunch recess.
Simplified Addressal: The court encourages respectful communication without honorifics like “My Lord” or “Your Lordship.”
Lawyer Cooperation: Petitioners' counsel must ensure respondents receive case papers in advance, either in hard copy or digitally. Adjournments will not be granted on grounds of incomplete service.
Submission of Legal Citations: Lawyers are encouraged to submit legal citations to the Court Officer or Law Clerk beforehand, enabling the court to review them digitally before hearings.
Justice Chakravarthy emphasized that the Bar’s cooperation is vital for the success of these measures. The SOP is part of his commitment to effective case management and a faster justice delivery system.
