Supreme Court Advocacy
Special Leave Petitions, civil and criminal appeals, review and curative petitions before the Supreme Court of India.
Special Leave Petitions · Appeals · Review & Curative Petitions
The Firm has a substantial focus on litigation before the Supreme Court of India.
Matters reach the Supreme Court from every High Court, tribunal and statutory forum in the country. We represent clients at each stage — from assessing whether a challenge is worth bringing, to drafting the petition, to arguing it at admission and final hearing.
Our Supreme Court practice includes
- Special Leave Petitions
- Civil Appeals
- Criminal Appeals
- Constitutional Matters
- Review Petitions
- Curative Petitions
- Transfer Petitions
- Contempt Proceedings
- Interlocutory Applications
- Appeals from High Courts
- Appeals from Specialised Tribunals
- Statutory Appeals
- Matters involving substantial questions of law
How we approach these matters
A Supreme Court challenge is shaped long before it is filed. The record built before the tribunal or High Court, the questions of law preserved, and the way the impugned judgment is framed all determine whether a petition is admitted. Where we have acted in the matter below, we bring that continuity to the Supreme Court; where we are instructed afresh, we begin with a close reading of the complete record.
We advise candidly at the outset on the prospects of a petition, the limitation position, the interim relief realistically available and the likely timeline, so that clients — including those based outside India — can take an informed decision.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Special Leave Petition (SLP)?
Article 136 of the Constitution of India empowers the Supreme Court, in its discretion, to grant special leave to appeal from any judgment, decree, order or sentence passed by any court or tribunal in India (other than those constituted under laws relating to the Armed Forces). An SLP asks the Court to grant that leave. If leave is granted, the petition is converted into a civil or criminal appeal and heard on merits.
What is the time limit for filing an SLP in the Supreme Court?
Under Order XXI of the Supreme Court Rules, 2013 (civil matters), an SLP is to be filed within 90 days from the date of the judgment or order under challenge, or within 60 days from the date on which the High Court refused a certificate of fitness to appeal under Article 134A. Time spent obtaining a certified copy may be excluded under the Limitation Act, 1963, and delay may be condoned if sufficient cause is shown in an application for condonation of delay — but delay should never be assumed to be excusable.
What is the difference between a review petition and a curative petition?
A review petition under Article 137 asks the Supreme Court to reconsider its own judgment on limited grounds, such as an error apparent on the face of the record; under the Supreme Court Rules, 2013 it must be filed within 30 days and, unless the Court orders otherwise, is decided by circulation without oral arguments. A curative petition, recognised in Rupa Ashok Hurra v. Ashok Hurra (2002), is an extraordinary remedy available only after a review petition is dismissed, on very narrow grounds such as a violation of the principles of natural justice, and must be certified by a Senior Advocate.
Who can file a case in the Supreme Court of India?
Under the Supreme Court Rules, 2013, pleadings are filed and parties are represented through an Advocate-on-Record. Other advocates may appear and argue on the instructions of an Advocate-on-Record. A party may also appear in person, subject to the Rules.
Can you take up my case if the High Court that decided it is in another state?
Yes. The Supreme Court hears matters arising from every High Court, tribunal and statutory forum in India. Documents can be shared electronically, consultations can be held by video, and the Supreme Court provides for e-filing, so neither the location of the original court nor your own location is an obstacle.
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Our Approach
Adaptive litigation strategies — shaped by the forum, the record and the stage of every matter.
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Discuss your matter with the Founding Partners
Whether your matter is before a tribunal, a High Court or the Supreme Court — or has not yet been filed — share a brief outline and the Firm will respond. Consultations are available in person in New Delhi or by video for clients across India and overseas.