‘Don’t act like a TV channel…’ This statement of CJI Surya Kant created a stir in the gathering.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has recently given the biggest and most important mantra of his professional life to the lawyers who have recently become ‘Advocate-on-Record’ (AOR) in the Supreme Court. He has explained in clear words that the brilliant career of any lawyer is not at all due to false popularity or useless discussions on social media, but behind it is his hard work, complete preparation and firm belief. He emphasized that ‘being visible’ i.e. just being in the limelight and ‘being credible’ are two completely different things.

Becoming an Advocate-on-Record is not just an achievement, it is a big responsibility

Addressing the felicitation ceremony of the new AOR lawyers of the year 2025 batch on behalf of the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association, CJI Surya Kant said that getting the title of Advocate-on-Record is not just a small achievement, but it brings with it a huge responsibility. Now the role of these lawyers is not limited only to the interests of their clients, but it also becomes their duty to maintain the dignity and quality of the entire justice system of the country.

While advising the new lawyers, he said that any big title or degree can definitely open the door of the court once, but a successful and long career can be made only by the excellent quality of your work. You don’t have to worry about how quickly people recognize your name or how many followers you have on social media. Your real effort should be that whenever your name appears on the file of any case in the court, the judges sitting there should have full confidence that a very competent and honest lawyer is standing in front of them with full preparation.

‘Lawyers should not run after TRP like TV channels’

CJI Surya Kant gave strict advice to today’s young generation and new lawyers to stay away from the blind race of online popularity. He said that in today’s digital era, the craze of showcasing one’s identity on social media and internet platforms has increased a lot, but this sacred profession of law and advocacy is far away from this kind of thinking. He said very bluntly, ‘Never measure your success by the cheap popularity you get online. You don’t have to work like a TV channel, which is only worried about its TRP all the time.

The CJI further said that the identity of any real lawyer is determined by his way of working within the four walls of the court, his deep legal preparation and his excellent conduct. He said that the greatest honor in the world is that which is achieved by your honest hard work and loyalty in the court, your fellow lawyers and the entire bar.

What is Advocate-on-Record (AOR)?

For your information, let us tell you that Advocate-on-Record (AOR) is a very special and specially recognized category of Supreme Court lawyers. As per Supreme Court rules, only AOR lawyers can officially and formally file any petition on behalf of any client in the Supreme Court, submit necessary documents and conduct the entire court process. To achieve this special status, lawyers must pass a rigorous examination and undergo special training.