The Supreme Court issued the fresh guidelines for the designation of senior advocates following the judgement in the case Indira Jaising vs Supreme Court of May 12 wherein the court modified the criteria for senior designation.
The court in the case observed and has directed that the Advocates-on-Record or the Advocates who had applied in response to the notice issued dated February 25, 2022 and Ma 07, 2022 for the conferment of designation as Senior Advocate have to either:
1.For updating their previous applications pending consideration of the Permanent Committee by furnishing additional information or the data in the newly prescribed format.
2.For substituting the application of them by submitting fresh applications in the new prescribed format, or;
3. To withdraw the application of them by Monday i.e., August 07, 2023 without the manner which is affecting their entitlement to apply for designation to any High Court or to the Supreme Court, as and when application would be invited in future.
The court also invited the fresh applications from former Chief Justices and the judges of High Court who are desirous of being considered for the post of senior designation.
Therefore, the Senior designation will be dealt by the committee comprising:
1 .Chief Justice of India
Chairperson
2. Two senior-most Judges of the Supreme Court of India
Member
3. Attorney General for India
Member
4. A member of the Bar, nominated by the Chairperson and Members, referred to in (a) to (c) above: Member
Who are eligible to apply?
(i) At least
a. ten years’ standing as an Advocate; or
b. ten years’ combined standing as an Advocate and as a District and Sessions Judge or as a Judicial Member of any Tribunal in India whose qualification for eligibility for such appointment being not less than that prescribed for appointment as a District Judge.
(ii) Practice mainly in the Supreme Court.
The Applicant-advocates who is having domain expertise of practising before specialized Tribunals may be given concession with regard to the extent of appearances in the Supreme Court. iii. the Attainment of the age of 45 years, unless the age limit is relaxed by the Committee, or the name has been recommended by the Chief Justice of India or a Judge of the Supreme Court.
