Supreme Court Bans Law Interns’ Appearance On Select Days Amid Overcrowding Concerns

The Supreme Court of India has announced restrictions on the presence of law interns in its premises on certain days.

Following a formal request by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), the court’s Assistant Registrar issued an order prohibiting law students from entering the Supreme Court complex on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.

However, interns will still be permitted access on Wednesdays and Thursdays, the regular hearing days.

The move comes after the SCBA raised concerns on July 23 about the increasing presence of law students within courtrooms, corridors, libraries, and waiting areas.

Senior lawyers particularly voiced their apprehensions regarding the overcrowding caused by a large number of interns.

The association reported frequent instances where interns failed to vacate seats despite requests from Bar members, contributing to congestion and disruption.

The Supreme Court Bar Association formally communicated these issues in a letter to the court’s Assistant Registrar.

The letter stressed the need to regulate intern access to uphold the decorum and functioning of the court premises.

Previous Appeals by Advocates-on-Record Association

Lawyers and associations have raised such concerns before.

On July 30 of the previous year, the Advocates-on-Record Association had petitioned the Supreme Court Secretary General to restrict law interns’ entry.

The association pointed out that many interns, though granted entry for academic purposes, often spent time idling in the canteen and library rather than engaging in meaningful educational activities.

The court’s decision aims to reduce overcrowding and ensure that law interns maintain appropriate conduct while on court premises.

By limiting access on non-hearing days, the Supreme Court seeks to strike a balance between providing educational opportunities and preserving the court’s decorum and security.

This restriction marks a significant step towards addressing concerns raised by legal professionals about the increasing number of interns and their impact on the working environment within the Supreme Court.

It underscores the need for regulated access and responsible behaviour among law students seeking practical exposure.

The SCBA and Advocates-on-Record Association continue to play an active role in monitoring and advising on matters that affect the legal profession’s functioning and standards.

This initiative also highlights the importance of maintaining discipline and respect for institutional spaces in India’s highest judicial forum.

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