'Draft Petitions Personally, Don’t Outsource to AI': CJI to Newly Inducted Advocates-on-Record

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Friday addressed newly inducted advocates and emphasized on personal diligence and ethical responsibility. Welcoming the successful candidates, CJI Kant characterised the achievement as a significant milestone in their professional journeys, reflecting their discipline and hard work. According to the rules framed by the Supreme Court under Article 145 of the Constitution, parties/litigants can file petitions in apex court only through 'Advocates-On-Record'. (AoRs)SC conducts examination for lawyers before designating them as AoRs.In his address, CJI Kant reminded the new inductees that the role of an AoR extends far beyond mere procedural requirements. He emphasized that they now serve as the primary

point of responsibility between the litigants and the Court.He said key pillars for their practice include:

• Conduct marked by honesty, thorough preparation, and deep respect for the judicial institution.
• Maintaining punctuality and clarity in submissions to assist the Court effectively.

The CJI noted that while seniority is a product of time, professional credibility must be established from the very first day.The CJI issued a word of caution regarding the weight of the AoR designation. He noted that every petition bearing an Advocate's name is a direct reflection of their professional judgment."Do not treat filing as a routine exercise. Read every brief carefully."To ensure the highest standards of legal practice, the CJI highlighted several critical mandates:

• Advocates must ensure that pleadings are properly drafted, facts are meticulously verified, and legal grounds remain sound.
• In a notable directive, the CJI insisted that drafting be done personally. He explicitly warned against outsourcing legal work to Artificial Intelligence or other external parties.
• AoRs were cautioned against filing matters blindly based solely on instructions from other counsel.
• The address concluded with a reminder that Advocates-on-Record are not just members of the Bar, but formal officers of the Court.

Stating that court relies heavily on their diligence, CJI urged them to uphold this trust in every matter to build a lasting reputation. The CJI extended his best wishes to the new batch as they begin this vital new chapter in their legal careers.