Mastering SLP Drafting for AOR Examination: A Practical Guide

By Adv. Vikas Pandey, Advocate, Supreme Court of India

Introduction

The Advocate-on-Record (AOR) Examination conducted by the Supreme Court of India is one of the most prestigious and rigorous professional exams for advocates. Among its core components, drafting of a Special Leave Petition (SLP) holds immense importance.

An SLP under Article 136 of the Constitution of India is not just a procedural document—it is a strategic legal instrument that determines whether the Supreme Court will exercise its discretionary jurisdiction.

This article provides:
✔ Conceptual clarity on SLP drafting
✔ Model answers for AOR exam practice
✔ A complete exam-ready SLP draft

Understanding the Structure of an SLP (Form-28)

An SLP must strictly comply with Order XVI Rule 4(1)(a) of the Supreme Court Rules. The structure includes:

  • Cause Title
  • Jurisdiction Clause
  • Questions of Law
  • Declarations
  • Grounds
  • Interim Relief
  • Final Prayer

Precision, clarity, and brevity are the key.

Drafting Principles for AOR Examination

  1. Clarity over verbosity
  2. Precise framing of Questions of Law
  3. Logical sequencing of Grounds
  4. Strict compliance with procedural rules
  5. Professional court language

Model Answers for AOR Exam Practice

Q1. Draft “Questions of Law” in an SLP

Model Answer:

The following substantial questions of law arise for consideration:

a) Whether the impugned judgment is contrary to settled principles of law laid down by the Hon’ble Supreme Court?
b) Whether the High Court erred in law in ignoring material evidence on record?
c) Whether the impugned order suffers from perversity and non-application of mind?

Q2. Draft “Grounds” in an SLP

Model Answer:

GROUNDS

A. Because the impugned judgment is contrary to law and facts on record.
B. Because the Hon’ble High Court failed to appreciate material evidence.
C. Because the findings recorded are perverse and unsustainable.
D. Because principles of natural justice have been violated.

Q3. Draft Declaration under Rule 4(2)

Model Answer:

The Petitioner declares that no other petition seeking leave to appeal has been filed against the impugned judgment and order.

Q4. Draft Interim Relief Prayer

Model Answer:

It is most respectfully prayed that this Hon’ble Court may be pleased to stay the operation and effect of the impugned judgment during the pendency of the present petition.

Sample Full SLP Draft (Exam-Ready Format)

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

(CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION)

SPECIAL LEAVE PETITION (CIVIL)
Under Article 136 of the Constitution of India

SLP (C) No. ____ of 2026

IN THE MATTER OF:

Anurag Malik
S/o Vijay Malik
R/o H. No. B-100 A, HIG Flats,
Nand Gram, Ghaziabad, U.P.
…Petitioner

VERSUS

XYZ Authority & Anr.
…Respondents

To,

Hon’ble the Chief Justice of India
and His Companion Judges of the
Supreme Court of India

The Special Leave Petition of the Petitioner above named

MOST RESPECTFULLY SHOWETH:

1. IMPUGNED ORDER

This Special Leave Petition is directed against the final judgment and order dated __ passed by the Hon’ble High Court of ______ in W.P. No. ____, whereby the petition filed by the Petitioner was dismissed.

2. QUESTIONS OF LAW

The following substantial questions of law arise:

a) Whether the High Court erred in dismissing the petition without considering material evidence?
b) Whether the impugned judgment is contrary to settled legal principles?
c) Whether the findings recorded are perverse and arbitrary?

3. DECLARATION (RULE 4(2))

The Petitioner declares that no other petition seeking leave to appeal has been filed against the impugned judgment.

4. DECLARATION (RULE 6)

The annexures filed are true copies of the records of the case.

5. GROUNDS

A. Because the impugned judgment is contrary to law.
B. Because the High Court failed to appreciate evidence.
C. Because the findings are perverse.
D. Because principles of natural justice were violated.

6. GROUNDS FOR INTERIM RELIEF

The Petitioner submits that irreparable loss will be caused if the impugned order is not stayed.

7. MAIN PRAYER

It is therefore most respectfully prayed that this Hon’ble Court may be pleased to:

a) Grant Special Leave to Appeal;
b) Set aside the impugned judgment;
c) Pass such other order(s) as deemed fit.

8. INTERIM PRAYER

Stay the operation of the impugned judgment during pendency of this petition.

Place: New Delhi

Date: ______

Advocate for the Petitioner

Settled by:
(Advocate-on-Record)

Conclusion

Success in the AOR Examination depends not only on knowledge but on application and drafting precision. Mastering SLP drafting ensures