The Kerala Government has created the post of Senior Standing Counsel for the Supreme Court for the first time, appointing advocate Ramesh Babu. The Congress-led government also appointed four Standing Counsel to strengthen Kerala’s legal representation before the apex court in constitutional and other important matters.
The Madras High Court held that appointments of public prosecutors and government law officers must be based on merit, competence and integrity, not political recommendations. The Court emphasised that an independent, efficient prosecution system is essential for fair criminal justice and effective representation of victims and the State.
Observing that financial hardship is forcing many young advocates to leave litigation, the Supreme Court called for the creation of a Young Lawyers’ Professional Assistance Fund across all States and Union Territories. The Court said a dedicated fund could help overcome economic barriers and prevent brain drain in the legal profession.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant highlighted the rising significance of mediation in commercial dispute resolution, noting that international arbitration increasingly faces delays and procedural complexities. He stressed that mediation should be regarded not merely as an alternative mechanism but as an essential pillar of modern justice systems.
The Telangana Government brought the Telangana Advocates Protection Act, 2026 into force, establishing a stronger legal framework to protect advocates from threats, harassment, intimidation and attacks linked to professional duties, while promoting fearless legal practice and strengthening the independence of the legal profession.
The Supreme Court of India sought replies on a PIL demanding 30% reservation for women lawyers in government legal panels. The plea stated, “The systemic exclusion of women from these panels is not merely an issue of professional inequity but a constitutional lapse that impedes the realisation of substantive equality,”.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant formed a Judicial Infrastructure Advisory Committee to assess court infrastructure nationwide and recommend funding reforms. The panel will submit a report by August 31, with the judiciary reportedly considering seeking Rs 40,000–50,000 crore for modernization and development projects.
