'We Need To Have Crispier Petitions' : CJI Sanjiv Khanna Advises AoRs To Master Art Of Drafting

Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna on Friday impressed upon Advocates-on-Record a need to improve the art of drafting to keep the petitions short and crisp.

"One thing I still feel we haven't really mastered is the art of drafting. I feel a huge effort is required. We need to understand 'less is more'...," CJI Khanna said at a farewell function organized by the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association.

"The crisper the petitions, they are far more beneficial," CJI Khanna said. He recounted his experience as a lawyer in drafting objections to an award in a European Court. Although he had only put 8 to 9 grounds, his European counterpart said that the grounds were reduced to three, as the costs would be higher otherwise.

"We need to have crisper petitions. It helps us read the files more easily," CJI said. He also encouraged the AoRs to argue more matters, instead of merely briefing the Senior Advocates. "You have direct access to litigants. Why don't you come and argue in the court yourself?" CJI asked.

The CJI also advised AoRs to take up mediation training and to develop domain specialization instead of general practice. "I believe domain specialization coupled with mastery of facts will take you ahead than oratory. Every case does not need a huge constitutional principle. Most cases are decided on facts," CJI said.

Further, he underlined the need for AoRs to take up mentorship roles, saying that anyone with 15 years of experience must mentor juniors.

The CJI added that it will be open to the advocates to approach him for legal advice in the future. "If I have an office in the future, I will always be open to give legal advice. It will be my pleasure if you walk in and seek advice."

CJI ended his address with an appeal to the lawyers to provide free legal aid to those who cannot afford it. "Lawyers have a license to practice law, but for that privilege and status, lawyers have an obligation to provide legal services to those without ability to pay...that should be the goal."

CJI-designate Justice Gavai also attended the event and said that Justice Khanna, as the CJI, brought in "transparency and inclusiveness." "It always used to be said that the CJI is only the first amongst equals and not superior. He practiced it, he was very open...He is always very straight and plain," Justice Gavai remarked.

On behalf of the SCAORA, its President Vipin Nair said that CJI Khanna has shown all the qualities of his uncle, Justice HR Khanna. Nair also lauded CJI Khanna for encouraging transparency by putting all documents in the public domain in the sensitive case (Justice Yashwant Varma issue).

SCAORA Vice President Amit Sharma and Honorary Secretary Nikhil Jain also spoke at the event.

CJI Khanna will demit office on May 13, 2025.