The Supreme Court on Monday disposed of petitions challenging the cancellation/postponement of the 2026 Advocates-on-Record (AoR) Examination, while expressing hope that the grievances raised by candidates would receive sympathetic consideration from the Chief Justice of India.
A Bench led by Justice Aravind Kumar observed that the “ends of justice” would be met if the petitioners submitted one comprehensive and exhaustive representation to the Chief Justice of India regarding the impugned notification postponing the examination cycle to 2027.
“We have got the most sympathetic Chief Justice,” Justice Kumar remarked during the hearing.
The Court noted submissions made by a battery of senior advocates appearing for the petitioners that candidates who had qualified the 2025 AoR examination were entitled, under the relevant rules, to appear in the next consecutive examination. According to the petitioners, that right stood frustrated due to the postponement of the 2026 examination.
Fresh candidates also argued that they had already commenced preparation and training for the examination, with some allegedly leaving offices or foregoing placements in anticipation of the exam cycle.
Recording that several representations had already been submitted to the CJI, the Bench observed:
“We see no reason as to why the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India would not consider them sympathetically.”
The Court directed the petitioners to compile and submit one concise and comprehensive representation within 10 days through a nodal group of advocates, while also permitting individual representations from candidates not part of the common group.
During the hearing, Justice Varale remarked, “We are very optimistic,” in response to concerns raised by Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat that candidates had worked extremely hard for the examination.
In a lighter moment, Justice Kumar humorously observed:
“If you read the English translations of the AoRs, you will commit double suicide,”
prompting laughter in the courtroom amid discussion on translation difficulties faced by candidates.
Disposing of the petitions, the Bench wished “all the prospective AoRs all the very best.”