The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has issued a notification restricting the entry of law interns into the Apex Court premises.
Issued by SCBA Secretary Vikrant Yadav, the notification said that since the introduction of online pass facility, many interns have been regularly visiting the Supreme Court.
The interns spend time in the libraries, canteens, corridors and other areas, leading to overcrowding. Due to the paucity of space, the SCBA members have been left without adequate seating, read the notification.
It said since the online facility was extended by the Supreme Court, physical attendance may be restricted for interns.
Stating that the issue warranted urgent and immediate attention, the notification urged the top court of the country to instruct the concerned department to restrict the entry of interns into the Supreme Court compound, especially in the high-security zone.
The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) has also written to the Secretary General of the Supreme Court calling for a restriction on the entry of law interns.
Sent by SCAORA Secretary Nikhil Jain, the letter said instead of viewing their visit as an educational experience, many of the interns occupied libraries & canteens and would 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.
SCAORA also suggested some measures to address the issue of overcrowding. It said one Advocate on Record should be allowed only one intern into the Supreme Court premises on a given day.
As per the AoR body, the entry of interns should be entirely restricted on Wednesday or Thursday post-lunch.
In order to avoid the 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, the letter by SCAORA added.