New Delhi – In a significant step toward improving the quality of legal documentation in the Supreme Court of India, the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) has announced the formation of a dedicated panel of translators. This initiative aims to address longstanding issues related to inaccurate translations of vernacular documents submitted as part of court pleadings. The move is expected to streamline legal processes, enhance the accuracy of filings, and support the legal fraternity in delivering high-quality representations before the apex court.

Background and Genesis of the Initiative

The formation of the translators’ panel stems from an order issued by the Supreme Court on March 18, 2025, in Special Leave Petition (SLP) No. 9163/2018. The court, recognizing persistent challenges with defective and incorrect translations of annexures filed with pleadings, directed SCAORA President Vipin Nair to assist in resolving these issues. In response, SCAORA undertook a comprehensive effort to establish a formalized system for translation services, ensuring that vernacular documents are accurately translated into English for court proceedings.

The initiative reflects SCAORA’s commitment to addressing practical challenges faced by Advocates-on-Record (AORs) and ensuring that the Supreme Court’s high standards for legal documentation are met. The panel is designed to provide a reliable, standardized, and accessible translation service to all members of the bar, fostering procedural efficiency and fairness in judicial proceedings.

Key Features of the Translators’ Panel

The newly constituted panel of translators is a carefully curated group of professionals with demonstrated proficiency in various vernacular languages. According to the SCAORA circular, signed by Honorary Secretary Nikhil Jain, the following features define the initiative:

Rigorous Selection Process: The resumes of all applicants were meticulously scrutinized to ensure that only translators with expertise in vernacular languages were empanelled. This ensures that translations meet the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.
Mandatory Undertaking: Each empanelled translator is required to provide a formal undertaking, certifying that the translated documents are true and correct to the best of their knowledge and belief. This undertaking will be appended to every translated document, adding a layer of accountability and trust.
Standardized Pricing: The translation service will be offered at a fixed rate of Rs. 100 per page (legal size), aligning with the rates established by the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee. This uniform pricing structure ensures affordability and transparency. Payments will be made directly to the translators by the concerned members of the bar, without routing through SCAORA.
Accessibility of Information: The list of empanelled translators, including their contact details and language expertise, will be widely accessible. It will be uploaded on SCAORA’s official website, available at the SCAORA office, and circulated through official communication channels, ensuring ease of access for all members.

The establishment of the translators’ panel addresses a critical need within the legal community. Vernacular documents, such as affidavits, contracts, or other legal instruments, are often submitted as annexures in Supreme Court pleadings. Errors in translation can lead to misinterpretations, procedural delays, or even adverse judicial outcomes. By creating a dedicated pool of translators, SCAORA aims to mitigate these risks, ensuring that pleadings are accurate, reliable, and aligned with the court’s expectations.

The initiative has been met with an “overwhelming response” from translators, as noted in the circular, reflecting the legal community’s recognition of the need for such a service. The panel is expected to serve as a real-time database, fulfilling a long-standing demand of SCAORA members and enhancing the overall effectiveness of AORs in their practice before the Supreme Court.

Who Are Advocates-on-Record (AORs)?

Advocates-on-Record (AORs) are a distinct category of legal professionals in India, authorized to practice before the Supreme Court under the Supreme Court Rules, 2013. Unlike other advocates, AORs are uniquely empowered to file cases, petitions, and other legal documents directly with the Supreme Court on behalf of their clients. They act as the primary interface between the court and the litigants, ensuring that all procedural requirements are met.

Eligibility and Role of AORs

To become an Advocate-on-Record, an advocate must meet stringent criteria set by the Supreme Court:

Training: The advocate must have completed at least one year of training under a registered AOR.
Experience: A minimum of four years of practice as an advocate is required, with at least two years spent practicing in any court.
Examination: The advocate must pass the AOR examination conducted by the Supreme Court, which tests knowledge of Supreme Court procedures, constitutional law, and drafting skills.
Registration: Upon passing the examination, the advocate must register with the Supreme Court as an AOR.

AORs play a pivotal role in the Supreme Court’s functioning. They are responsible for drafting and filing petitions, ensuring compliance with court rules, and coordinating with senior advocates or other counsel who argue cases before the bench. Only AORs can file vakalatnamas (authorization documents) and other pleadings, making them indispensable to the litigation process in the apex court.

SCAORA’s Role in Supporting AORs

The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) is the representative body for AORs, advocating for their interests and facilitating their professional needs. Led by President Vipin Nair and Honorary Secretary Nikhil Jain, SCAORA has been instrumental in addressing systemic issues affecting AORs, such as procedural inefficiencies and external pressures on the legal profession. Recent initiatives, such as the objection to automated alerts sent to respondents (as reported by LiveLaw and Law Trend) and protests against Enforcement Directorate summons to senior advocates, demonstrate SCAORA’s proactive role in safeguarding the autonomy and integrity of the legal profession.

The formation of SCAORA’s dedicated panel of translators marks a significant milestone in enhancing the quality and reliability of legal documentation in the Supreme Court of India. By addressing the critical issue of translation accuracy, SCAORA is not only fulfilling a long-standing demand of its members but also reinforcing the integrity of the judicial process.

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