Supreme Court elevated five more advocates to the esteemed position of Senior Advocates. The newly designated Senior Advocates include Mr. Rajesh Mahale, Mr. PV Dinesh, Mr. Harinder Mohan Singh (HM Singh), and Ms. Kaveeta Wadia. This decision, made by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud alongside other Supreme Court judges.
Today (February 6) Supreme Court elevated five more advocates to the esteemed position of Senior Advocates. This decision, made by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud alongside other Supreme Court judges, marks a significant moment, reflecting the ongoing evolution and recognition within the legal profession.
The announcement was made following a full court meeting on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to acknowledging and rewarding legal excellence. The newly designated Senior Advocates include Mr. Rajesh Mahale, Mr. PV Dinesh, Mr. Harinder Mohan Singh (HM Singh), and Ms. Kaveeta Wadia, all of whom have been recognized for their contributions and expertise in the field.
This recent round of senior designations is part of a continuing tradition within the Supreme Court, which seeks to honor the professional achievements of distinguished advocates. It follows the January event where 56 advocates, including 11 women, were designated as Senior Advocates. This marked a significant occasion as it was the first batch of senior designations after a hiatus of more than two years, with the previous round occurring in December 2021 when 18 lawyers were conferred the prestigious title.
The process of conferring senior designations has been under scrutiny and evolution, especially following the landmark judgment in the case of Indira Jaising v. Supreme Court of India. This judgment led to the formulation of modified guidelines aimed at making the designation process more transparent and merit-based. The recent designations are the first to be decided under these new guidelines, indicating a move towards a more structured and fair assessment process.
However, the process has not been without its controversies. Senior Advocate Indira Jaising has raised concerns regarding the transparency and inclusivity of the selection process. In a letter addressed to the Secretary General of the Supreme Court, Jaising highlighted the grievances of some candidates who felt unjustifiably excluded from the January designations. She advocated for these candidates to be given a fresh opportunity, pointing to the need for continuous improvement and fairness in the senior designation process.
Also Read- Appointment Of Seven Chief Justices Across Seven High Courts (lawchakra.in)
The Supreme Court’s decision to confer senior designations on more advocates is a testament to the evolving landscape of the Indian legal system. It not only honors individual achievements but also serves as a benchmark for professional excellence, encouraging younger lawyers to aspire to higher standards of legal practice. As the judiciary continues to refine its designation process, it remains to be seen how these changes will shape the future of legal practice in India and how they will address the concerns raised by members of the legal community.
The elevation of these five advocates to senior status is a moment of pride and celebration for the legal community, highlighting the ongoing efforts to recognize and reward legal excellence in India. As the Supreme Court continues to navigate the complexities of the designation process, the legal fraternity watches with keen interest, hopeful for a system that is both fair and transparent, ensuring that the mantle of seniority is bestowed upon those who truly deserve it.
