The Supreme Court of India has designated seven former High Court judges as Senior Advocates following a Full Court meeting led by the Chief Justice of India. A March 19, 2026 notification grants retrospective effect from March 18, 2026.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India has recently designated seven former High Court judges as Senior Advocates. The decision was taken at a Full Court Meeting presided over by the Chief Justice of India and attended by all Supreme Court judges.
The Notification:
A notification dated March 19, 2026, issued by Registrar (CDSA) Devender Pal Walia, formalises the designations and states they are effective retrospectively from March 18, 2026.
The notification reads:
“In a Full Court Meeting held on 18th March 2026, the Chief Justice of India and the Judges of the Supreme Court of India have designated the following former Judges of the High Courts as Senior Advocates with effect from 18th March 2026.”
Designated Senior Advocates
The seven former judges named are:
- Shri Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal (Former Judge, High Court of Punjab and Haryana.)
- Ms. Justice Harsha Nathalal Devani (Former Judge, High Court of Gujarat.)
- Shri Justice M.S. Ramesh (Former Judge, High Court of Madras.)
- Mrs. Justice Mauna M. Bhatt (Former Judge, High Court of Gujarat.)
- Dr. (Ms.) Justice R.N. Manjula (Former Judge, High Court of Madras.)
- Shri Justice Umesh Chandra Dhyani (Former Judge, High Court of Uttarakhand.)
- Shri Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul (Former Judge, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.)
Legal basis and procedure
The power to confer the title of Senior Advocate is provided by Section 16 of the Advocates Act, 1961, which authorises the Supreme Court or a High Court to designate an advocate as a ‘Senior Advocate’ if it is satisfied that the advocate’s ability, standing at the Bar, or special knowledge or experience in law merit the distinction.
ALSO READ: 76 Lawyers Designated as Senior Advocates by Punjab and Haryana High Court
For retired judicial officers and former High Court judges, the Supreme Court follows an established evaluation process conducted during Full Court Meetings. Once designated, these Senior Advocates must observe certain Bar Council of India rules, including restrictions such as not filing Vakalatnamas and not appearing without a junior advocate.
The designation of Senior Advocates represents one of the highest recognitions bestowed upon members of the legal profession in India. Governed by the Advocates Act, 1961 and refined through judicial guidelines laid down in Indira Jaising v. Supreme Court of India, the process aims to ensure transparency, merit-based selection, and institutional credibility.
The power to designate a Senior Advocate rests with constitutional courts, namely the Supreme Court of India and various High Courts. The designation is not a matter of right but a privilege conferred upon advocates who demonstrate exceptional ability, standing at the Bar, and specialized knowledge or experience in law.
Historically, the designation process was often criticized for lack of transparency. This changed significantly after the Supreme Court’s ruling in Indira Jaising v. Supreme Court of India, which introduced structured procedures, objective criteria, and a more participatory approach. The judgment was further clarified in the review decision in Indira Jaising (Review Petition) v. Supreme Court of India, reinforcing the role of the Full Court while retaining the evaluation mechanism.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Designation
1. Initiation of Proposal: The process may begin either through an application by the advocate, or by recommendation from judges, law officers, or existing Senior Advocates.
2. Scrutiny by Permanent Committee: A Permanent Committee is constituted comprising:
- The Chief Justice (Chairperson)
- Two senior-most judges
- Attorney General/Advocate General
- A distinguished member of the Bar
The Committee evaluates candidates on a point-based system, considering: Years of practice, Reported judgments argued, Academic contributions and publications, Pro bono work and Overall professional integrity.
3. Interaction with Candidates: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interaction, allowing the Committee to assess: Legal acumen, Advocacy skills and Courtroom demeanor.
4. Public Disclosure: To ensure transparency: Names of applicants are published and , Views and objections are invited from the Bar and public.
5. Full Court Decision and Notification of Designation
The Committee submits its recommendations to the Full Court of judges. The final decision is taken collectively, often through voting. Successful candidates are formally designated as Senior Advocates and assume a distinct status within the Bar.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE