The Supreme Court has issued a set of new guidelines for the designation of senior advocates, following the landmark Indira Jaising vs. Supreme Court judgment on May 12. This move aims to streamline the process and ensure fairness in the appointment of senior advocates.

According to the latest directive, Advocates-on-Record and Advocates who had previously applied in response to the notices dated February 25, 2022, and May 7, 2022, are required to take necessary action. They can choose one of the following options:

1. Update their pending applications by providing additional information in the newly prescribed format while awaiting consideration by the Permanent Committee.
2. Substitute their applications with fresh ones using the new prescribed format.
3. Withdraw their applications by Monday, August 7, 2023, without compromising their eligibility to apply for senior designation in any High Court or the Supreme Court in the future.

Moreover, the Supreme Court has extended an invitation for fresh applications from former Chief Justices and Judges of High Courts who aspire to be considered for senior designation. This demonstrates the Court's commitment to inclusivity and expanding the pool of eligible candidates.

The process of evaluating senior designations will be carried out by a committee consisting of:

• Chief Justice of India: Chairperson
• Two senior-most Judges of the Supreme Court of India: Members
• Attorney General for India: Member
• A member of the Bar nominated by the Chairperson and Members mentioned above: Member

To be eligible for senior designation, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Possess a minimum of:
   • Ten years' standing as an advocate, or
   • Ten years' combined standing as an advocate and as a District and Sessions Judge or Judicial Member of any Tribunal in India, with qualifications equal to those required for a District Judge appointment.
2. Primarily practice in the Supreme Court.
3. Attain the age of 45, unless the Committee relaxes the age limit or the Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court Judge recommends the applicant's name.

This update in senior designation guidelines aims to foster transparency, fairness, and competence in the legal profession, ensuring that deserving candidates receive due recognition for their expertise.

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