The Supreme Court of India has designated five former High Court judges, including one former Chief Justice, as Senior Advocates. The decision was made in a Full Court Meeting held on October 29, 2025, and takes effect immediately.
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NEW DELHI: In a Full Court Meeting held on October 29, 2025, the Chief Justice of India and the Judges of the Supreme Court of India have designated five former Chief Justices and Judges of various High Courts as Senior Advocates.
The decision, announced through an official notification issued on October 31, 2025, confers the prestigious title of Senior Advocate under Section 16(2) of the Advocates Act, 1961. The designation is effective from October 29, 2025.
List of Former Judges Designated as Senior Advocates
- Justice Gilani Madadali Nurmohammad – Former Judge, High Court of Bombay
- Justice M. Govindaraj – Former Judge, Madras High Court
- Justice Pankaj Bhandari – Former Judge, Rajasthan High Court
- Justice Rakesh Kumar Jain – Former Judge, High Court of Punjab and Haryana
- Justice Tashi Rabstan – Former Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh
The notification was issued by Devender Pal Walia, Registrar (CDSA), Supreme Court of India.
Importance and Impact of the Supreme Court’s Senior Advocate Designations
Recognition of Judicial Excellence
The Supreme Court’s decision to designate retired High Court judges as Senior Advocates honors their judicial service and expertise. This recognition allows their experience on the bench to enrich legal advocacy and jurisprudence.
Strengthening Bench-to-Bar Connection
The move promotes bench-to-bar fluidity, enabling former judges to contribute actively as advocates. Their transition reinforces the connection between judicial reasoning and courtroom advocacy.
Professional Prestige and Institutional Value
The Senior Advocate title symbolizes professional distinction. Extending it to former judges underscores the legal community’s respect for judicial experience and integrity.
Impact on the Legal Ecosystem
Such designations elevate advocacy standards, encourage mentorship of younger lawyers, and foster higher levels of courtroom performance and reasoning.
Process and Background
The designation process is guided by the Supreme Court’s Senior Advocates Designation Rules.
- A Full Court Meeting deliberates and approves the list.
- A formal notification follows, listing the names, effective dates, and the Registrar’s signature.
While once primarily limited to advocates, extending this honor to judges marks a notable evolution in the Court’s practice.
In April 2025, a similar exercise saw six former High Court judges designated as Senior Advocates, establishing a growing precedent.
Implications for the Legal Profession
- Enhanced Credibility: Litigants benefit from advocates with judicial insight.
- Mentorship & Capacity Building: Former judges can guide younger lawyers and raise advocacy standards.
- Ethical Considerations: The transition from judge to advocate necessitates careful management of potential conflicts and appearance norms.
- Prestige & Motivation: The move may inspire serving judges to pursue continued engagement in law post-retirement.
