Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna on Friday observed that lawyers in India are yet to master the art of drafting concise petitions or other legal documents, as they often resort to drafting lengthy pleadings..CJI Khanna added that it is time to adopt the approach of "less is more" when drafting pleadings, as this may also ensure that judges actually read the case file. "One thing we have still not mastered is the art of drafting. We must adopt the dictum 'less is more.' The crisper the petitions, it is far more beneficial. I had once drafted a petition - objections to an award to be filed in an European court. I had put 8 to 9 grounds...The lawyer said, 'I reduced it to 3'...That apart, we need a crisper petition.' Remember, you make 50 per cent of the case when you draft the matter well and the judge has read the file," he said. .CJI Khanna made the observation while speaking at a farewell function organised by the Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association (SCAORA) to bid him adieu, as he retires from office on May 13."As judges, we preach a lot. I did not want to do. Then, I realised it is impossible (not to)," he said, in a lighter vein as he began his address.He went on to describe Advocates-on-Record (AoRs) as the bridge between different parts of the country with the Supreme Court of India. Among other pieces of advice, he urged AoRs to consider arguing cases themselves, instead of engaging a Senior Advocate for the task..He also briefly gave his two cents on whether lawyers should focus on developing specialised areas of practice."These days, (there is) a lot of conflict on specialisation or general expertise. I believe domain specialisation will take you ahead in life and it will matter more than oratory schools. This, coupled with mastery of facts. Every case does not need a huge constitutional principle, but facts of the case," CJI Khanna said.He advised AoRs to also consider taking higher courses on mediation and called on the SCAORA to focus on bolstering mentorship for young lawyers."Another area is mentorship. Anyone with 15 years experience must mentor and SCAORA can have this. If I have a 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," he said..CJI Khanna noted that he was ending his career as a judge from the same Court that he had visited for the first time when he was younger."When my father was a judge, I never went to any court. For the first time I visited court, it was the Supreme court of India - the Indian express case was being argued and Advocate Lal Narayan was arguing. It was my first experience. After passing out, I practiced at the chambers of PH Parikh. Today, I end the journey at the same place."He added that he has deep faith in the institution as he approaches his retirement from office."As I prepare to demit office, I do so with deep faith in the institution. The institution (has) immense responsibility. We pronounce judgments, the advocates take it ahead and carry on that role with care and sincerity," he said..The dignitaries present at the event included Justice BR Gavai, who is slated to take over as the next CJI. In his address, Justice Gavai lauded CJI Khanna for his straightforward approach."I can only say that when he took over the reins as the CJI in November 2024, we saw a lot of changes. He brought in transformation, transparency. He always showed CJI is first among equals and not a superior. He was always open to suggestions. He was always straight and plain. What he could not do, he refused without bothering about what others feel," Justice Gavai said..SCAORA President Vipin Nair observed that CJI Khanna ushered in more transparency."Justice HR Khanna is the best Chief Justice India never had. CJI (Sanjiv) Khanna, his nephew, has shown all those qualities (of an ideal Chief Justice) while holding office. He has shown transparency by putting in public domain all the documents in a sensitive case," Nair said..SCAORA Vice-President Amit Sharma said that CJI Khanna reminded the public that the benches of Supreme Court judges are not "thrones" but seats held in trust..SCAORA Secretary Nikhil Jain hailed CJI Khanna as a towering legal figure whose tenure embodied integrity and hope. Jain lauded his unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability and amplifying every voice. Jain called him a steadfast defender of fundamental rights and a true custodian of justice..[Read Live Coverage]
