The Supreme Court on Wednesday reminded members of the Bar that the filing of an adjournment slip does not automatically entitle parties to a postponement of proceedings, stressing that only the Court has the authority to decide whether a matter should be deferred.

A Bench of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice R. Mahadevan observed that advocates must always be prepared to argue their cases, irrespective of whether an adjournment slip has been circulated.

The observations came after a lawyer submitted that the matter could not be taken up since the respondents had sought an adjournment.

Rejecting the suggestion, Justice Amanullah clarified that the decision to grant or refuse an adjournment lies exclusively with the Court.

"Please counsel. It is up to us whether or not we allow adjournment. You have to come prepared and argue. If we allow, only then it is adjourned. This is a message to the Bar," Justice Amanullah said.

When the petitioner's counsel later requested another date for hearing, the Bench initially indicated that the matter could be taken up at the end of the day's board.

The counsel, however, sought listing on another day instead.

Responding, Justice Amanullah remarked, "Today also is a day."

The Court ultimately agreed to defer the matter and directed that it be listed for hearing next week.