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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
- 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.
- Before 2017, each High Court followed its own inconsistent procedures.
- In 2017, the Supreme Court, acting on a PIL by Senior Advocate Indira Jaising, introduced a uniform, points-based system with a Permanent Committee.
- In 2023, the Court adjusted the marking system to improve the framework.
- 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)
- Points-Based System Removed: The Supreme Court has scrapped the 2017 points-based assessment for designating senior advocates, calling it unworkable and flawed.
- 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.
- No Recommendations by Individual Judges: Judges cannot recommend any advocate for the designation. Applications will be treated as consent.
- Minimum Practice Requirement Maintained: Advocates must still have 10 years of practice.
- Permanent Secretariat to Continue: The secretariat will continue screening applications and documents.
- Secret Ballot Optional: Courts may decide on secret voting.
- No Application Needed: Designation may be conferred without an application.
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