In A Major Procedural Shift, SC To Prioritise Cases Of Seniors And Vulnerable Groups

The Supreme Court is set to overhaul its functioning with a major procedural shift aimed at prioritising cases involving senior citizens and vulnerable sections of society.

On Thursday, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, in an exclusive conversation with CNN-News18, revealed the initiation of these changes.

CJI Surya Kant emphasised that the procedural reforms are aimed at ensuring faster and more efficient access to justice for the most vulnerable sections of society.

According to an official order accessed by CNN-News18, the following four categories have been newly introduced in the cause list:

1. Cases relating to specially-abled persons and acid attack victims

2. Cases relating to senior citizens aged above 80 years

3. Cases involving persons

below the poverty line

4. Legal aid matters

The order instructs members of the Bar, parties-in-person, and all stakeholders to mention the relevant category under which a matter falls in all fresh petitions submitted to the Registry. Petitioners are also required to submit an application or letter with documentary proof issued by an appropriate government authority.

Additionally, parties are requested to provide these details for pending cases so that the Registry can update matters under the respective heads. This step is expected to help the court prioritise the listing of cases concerning the newly identified categories.