In a landmark Full Court decision on December 10, 2025, the Supreme Court exercised its constitutional powers to confer Senior Advocate status on four retired High Court judges, marking a significant moment for the Indian legal fraternity.
The Supreme Court of India appointed four former Chief Justices and Judges of various High Courts as Senior Advocates.
This decision was finalized during a Full Court Meeting on December 10, 2025.
In a noteworthy development, the Chief Justice of India and the Supreme Court Judges exercised their authority to grant the title of Senior Advocate to four retired High Court judges.
This designation, made under the constitutional powers of the Apex Court, takes effect from December 10, 2025.
The Supreme Court’s process for awarding the Senior Advocate designation is governed by specific guidelines aimed at recognizing legal luminaries for their substantial contributions to the profession.
During theFull Court Meeting held on Wednesday, the judges reviewed the applications and qualifications of the former High Court judges.
Also Read: Supreme Court Designates 5 Former High Court Judges as Senior Advocates
Subsequently, the Registrar (CDSA), Devender Pal Walia, issued an official notification confirming these designations.
With this recognition, former judges will be able to practice as Senior Advocates in the Supreme Court and other courts, following applicable post-retirement practice rules.
List of Designated Senior Advocates
According to the notification, the following former judges have been designated as Senior Advocates:
- Shri Justice Abhinand Kumar Shavili – Former Judge, High Court for the State of Telangana.
- Shri Justice Pavankumar B. Bajenthri – Former Chief Justice, High Court of Judicature at Patna.
- Shri Justice Satyendra Singh Chauhan – Former Judge, High Court of Judicature at Allahabad.
- Shri Justice T.S. Sivagnanam – Former Chief Justice, High Court at Calcutta.
The notification emphasizes that these designations are effective immediately from the date of the meeting, i.e., December 10, 2025.
The granting of the Senior gown represents a significant recognition, celebrating the extensive judicial experience and legal expertise that these former judges contribute to the Bar.