Tariq Iqbal Chaudhry
The Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan has introduced a digital timer system to better regulate the hearing of cases and manage the time allocated to lawyers’ arguments.
The system was installed on the instructions of Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan, with separate timers placed for lawyers and the bench. Lawyers appearing before the court have welcomed the initiative.
10-Minute Time Limit for Each Side
Under the new system, lawyers representing each side in a case will initially be given 10 minutes to present their arguments.
The court may extend the allotted time at its discretion if a case is considered important or complex and requires additional arguments. In major cases, the speaking time may be extended to up to 30 minutes through a court order.
Automatic Alert When Time Expires
Once a lawyer’s allotted time expires, the timer will automatically sound an alarm, informing both the lawyer and the bench that the allocated time has ended.
The lawyer will then be required to leave the rostrum unless the court grants additional time.
System Introduced During Court Hearings
Cases have already started being heard under the new system in the courtroom of Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan.
Lawyers appearing before the court during the hearings appreciated the measure, saying it could help make better use of judicial time and facilitate the faster hearing of cases.
The Federal Constitutional Court has also been focusing on the early disposal of pending cases and the use of modern technology in judicial affairs.
During a full-court meeting in April 2026, Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan emphasized the need for measures aimed at expediting decisions and improving case management. The court has also been focusing on the use of modern technology to improve institutional performance, case management and public services.
Time Limits for Lawyers in Other Countries
Setting time limits for lawyers’ oral arguments is not a new practice in international judicial systems. Several superior courts around the world allocate specific periods for oral arguments depending on the nature of a case, while some courts also use digital clocks or timer systems to help lawyers monitor their allotted time.
Canada Uses a Digital Clock
The Supreme Court of Canada uses a digital clock to help lawyers monitor their time during oral arguments.
According to the court’s official information, each party in an appeal is generally allocated one hour for oral argument, although the time may be reduced to 30 minutes in some appeals.
The digital clock visible to the lawyer changes as the allotted time runs out, providing an indication of the remaining time. The system is designed to help lawyers manage their arguments within the period allocated by the court.
United States: 30 Minutes Per Side
The Supreme Court of the United States also sets specific limits for oral arguments. Under the court’s rules, each side is generally allowed 30 minutes.
Additional time may be granted by the court in exceptional circumstances.
The court’s marshal is responsible for managing proceedings, including monitoring the time allocated for oral arguments to ensure that proceedings remain within the scheduled limits.
Australia: 20 Minutes for Each Side
The High Court of Australia also provides specific time allocations for oral arguments.
Under its procedures, an appellant is generally given 20 minutes, while the respondent is given 20 minutes. The appellant may receive an additional five minutes for reply.
The court can allow additional time in particular circumstances, although extensions are not the standard procedure.
United Kingdom: Arguments Follow a Set Timetable
The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom also manages the time allocated for oral arguments through a structured hearing timetable.
Under the court’s practice directions, lawyers are expected to complete their submissions within the time allocated for the hearing.
The parties are required to provide the court with an agreed timetable setting out the order of speeches and the anticipated time required for each part of the arguments.
India: Courts Can Set Specific Time Limits
The Supreme Court of India has also set specific time limits for oral arguments in individual cases.
In one case in March 2026, the court allocated up to 20 minutes to different lawyers for oral submissions and directed them to adhere to the schedule.
The Indian Supreme Court has also addressed the issue of lengthy oral arguments in its proceedings, highlighting the importance of managing hearing time to facilitate the timely disposal of cases.
Purpose of Time Management
Time limits for oral arguments in superior courts are generally intended to help manage judicial proceedings, provide both sides with an opportunity to present their cases and make more efficient use of court time.
The digital timer introduced at Pakistan’s Federal Constitutional Court provides lawyers with a clear indication of their allotted time while enabling the court to better manage the duration of hearings.
