Designating Senior Advocates

News: The Supreme Court scrapped its existing points-based system for designating senior advocates in the Supreme Court and High Courts. A new set of guidelines is issued. Designating Senior Advocates.

About Designating Senior Advocates

1. Under Section 16 of the Advocates Act, 1961, the Supreme Court and High Courts have the authority to confer the designation of senior advocate based on merit and legal standing.
2. Before 2017, each High Court followed its own inconsistent procedures.
3. In 2017, the Supreme Court, acting on a PIL by Senior Advocate Indira Jaising, introduced a uniform, points-based system with a Permanent Committee.
4. In 2023, the Court adjusted the marking system to improve the framework.
5. In May 2025, the Supreme Court ruled the points system unworkable and issued new guidelines based on collective decision-making by the Full Court.

New Guidelines Issued by Supreme Court (2025)

1. Points-Based System Removed: The Supreme Court has scrapped the 2017 points-based assessment for designating senior advocates, calling it unworkable and flawed.
2. Full Court to Decide: Now, the full court of the Supreme Court or High Court will take the final decision on designations, aiming for consensus or using a vote if needed.
3. No Recommendations by Individual Judges: Judges cannot recommend any advocate for the designation. Applications will be treated as consent.
4. Minimum Practice Requirement Maintained: Advocates must still have 10 years of practice.
5. Permanent Secretariat to Continue: The secretariat will continue screening applications and documents.
6. Secret Ballot Optional: Courts may decide on secret voting.
7. No Application Needed: Designation may be conferred without an application.