The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) has taken up arms against a recent alteration in the procedure for highlighting urgent cases. The Supreme Court's attempt to streamline the process by restricting unlisted mentions and enforcing a stricter timeline has sparked controversy.

Under this new regimen, legal practitioners can only appeal for an out-of-turn hearing during the chief justice’s court for verified fresh cases submitted before 3 PM the previous day. 

For matters requiring 'exceptional urgency,' a lawyer must submit a mentioning proforma and a letter of urgency by 10:30 AM, outlining reasons for the immediate hearing. However, the SCAORA has raised its voice in protest, claiming this procedure to be a 'great impediment' causing grievances among its members.

In a resolution aimed at Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, the SCAORA expressed dissatisfaction with this process. They argue that the new mechanism neither upholds efficiency nor transparency as initially envisioned. Complaints have been pouring in from their member advocates-on-record, highlighting unlisted urgent matters that have gone unnoticed, subsequently jeopardizing justice for litigants and denting the reputation of lawyers.

The SCAORA has firmly requested the restoration of an earlier practice: allowing urgent matters to be raised immediately after their registration, once defects are addressed. This intriguing clash between tradition and modernization adds a layer of complexity to India's legal landscape, leaving the door open for potential further changes.