The Supreme Court has seen a 35% rise in pending cases over the past five years, going from 59,859 in 2019 to 80,765 by the end of 2023, an increase of over 20,900 cases. In light of this, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has restricted the entry of law interns, citing overcrowding due to the online pass facility.
The interns have been occupying space in libraries, canteens, and corridors, leaving SCBA members without adequate seating.
The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) has also requested the Secretary General of the Supreme Court to enforce these restrictions.
"Instead of viewing their visit as an educational experience, many of the interns occupy Libraries and canteens and stand in a group in the corridors, often making it difficult for the bar members to use the facilities or even walk/stand in the corridor on account of constrained space," the letter sent by Secretary Nikhil Jain stated.
"They spend time in the Libraries, Canteens, Corridors and other areas, which has led to overcrowding," the notification stated.
In its letter, SCAORA made the following suggestions to address the issue of overcrowding:
(i) One Advocate on Record to allow only one Intern in the Supreme Court premises on a given day.
(ii) Entry of interns to be entirely restricted only Wednesday or Thursday post lunch.
(iii) To avoid entry of interns into Libraries, Cafeterias, and Bar Rooms, despite restrictions, a designated space/room ought to be earmarked where the Interns can keep their belongings, sit while doing research or other work during court hours, or have their lunch.
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