1. Initial consultation — take client instructions, review lower-court record and judgment, identify grounds.

2. Case analysis & research — check precedent, constitutionality issues, and whether Supreme Court is the correct forum.

3. Drafting memo/petition — prepare concise grounds, list issues of law, draft SLP/writ/appeal with prayers.

4. Compile documents — judgment(s), certified copies, paper book, vakalatnama, affidavits, indices and annexures.

5. File in Registry — file the petition/appeal with required court fees and process at SC registry (electronic filing where applicable).

6. Listing & cause list — follow up with registry for diary/listing; prepare short written submissions (synopsis, citation list).

7. Serve opposite party — ensure notice/served copies and file vakalatnama for respondents when required.

8. Oral arguments & hearings — present concise legal propositions, cite precedent, assist with bench queries.

9. Interim relief (if needed) — apply for stay/urgent listing with supporting affidavit and reasons for urgency.

10. Post-order compliance — implement orders, draft consequential applications (review, clarification, contempt or execution) if required.

Sections / provisions an advocate commonly uses (what to cite)

• Constitutional provisions

  • Article 32 — remedy for violation of fundamental rights (writ petitions to SC).

  • Article 136 — Special Leave Petition (SLP) — discretionary appeal power of the Supreme Court.

  • Article 142 — power to pass orders necessary for doing complete justice.

  • Article 131 — original jurisdiction in disputes between States/Union (when applicable).

• Appeals & statutory law

  • Civil cases — appeals to SC as provided under relevant statutes and rules (e.g., appeals under the Code of Civil Procedure or specific Act-provisions).

  • Criminal cases — appeals under the Criminal Procedure Code and relevant penal provisions (appeals from High Court judgments/convictions).

  • Limitation Act, Evidence Act, CPC, CrPC — cite specific sections as applicable to issues (limitation, admissibility, procedural points).

• Procedural / practice references

  • Supreme Court Rules — for filing format, paper book, brief, listing, and court fees (always follow current SC Rules).

  • Precedent — leading Supreme Court judgments on the point of law being argued (case citations).

Quick practical checklist (documents)

• Certified copy of impugned judgment/order

• Vakalatnama / memo of appearance

• Paper book (filed as per SC Rules) + index

• Affidavit in support (if required)

• Synopsis & list of citations (short)

• Proof of service/notice