The Delhi High Court has awarded the Senior Advocate designation to 70 distinguished lawyers, the first such honor since March 2021. A rigorous selection process assessed over 300 applicants based on qualifications, contributions, and merit. The initiative reflects the court’s commitment to legal excellence through newly amended, transparent selection rules.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has conferred the prestigious Senior Advocate designation to 70 distinguished lawyers, marking the first time since March 2021 that this honor has been bestowed. The announcement follows a rigorous selection process under the recently amended Delhi High Court Designation of Senior Advocate Rules, 2024.
The High Court conducted interviews for over 300 applicants, thoroughly evaluating their qualifications. Candidates were assessed on criteria such as their years of practice, pro bono work, publications, and overall contributions to the legal profession. A Secretariat of the Permanent Committee compiled detailed records for each applicant. Lawyers scoring between 65 to 69 marks had their applications deferred, ensuring only the most deserving candidates received the designation.
This designation process adhered to the guidelines set by the Permanent Committee, which oversees all matters related to Senior Advocate nominations. The committee includes the Chief Justice, two senior-most judges of the High Court, the Additional Solicitor General, a Senior Advocate nominated by the Administrative Committee, and a member of the Bar Association.
“First Since 2021, Reflecting Excellence in the Legal Profession”
Notably, this is the first time since 2021 that the High Court has conferred this title. In the previous round, 55 lawyers were honored with the Senior Advocate gown. The recent amendment of the Senior Advocate designation rules in March 2024 has further streamlined the selection process.
Honorees of 2024
Among the 70 lawyers receiving this esteemed designation are:
- Gautam Narayan
- Sanjeev Sagar
- Tanveer Ahmed Mir
- Arundhati Katju
- Sai Deepak J
- Nandita Rao
- Rajdipa Behura
- Pooja Mehra Saigal
- Kunal Tandon
- Abhishek Malhotra
This diverse group reflects excellence across various fields of law, from criminal litigation to corporate advisory.
Key Highlights of the Process
The newly amended rules emphasize transparency and merit-based selection. For the first time, a formalized Permanent Committee ensured uniformity in the process. These amendments align with the evolving demands of the legal profession and aim to enhance the quality of advocacy.
The Delhi High Court’s initiative underscores its commitment to fostering legal excellence, ensuring that the designation of Senior Advocates continues to uphold the highest standards of the profession. “This recognition is not just a title but a testament to the honorees’ contributions to the justice system,” remarked a member of the selection panel.
This historic milestone marks a new chapter in recognizing legal luminaries and maintaining the integrity of India’s judicial framework.
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