The Delhi High Court has notified new rules governing the designation of lawyers as Senior Advocates, replacing the framework issued in March 2024 and abolishing the earlier designation committee.
Under the new rules, a permanent secretariat headed by a Registrar-rank officer will oversee the process, while the final decision will be taken directly by the Full Court.
The process will be initiated at least once a year by inviting applications, with notices published on the High Court’s website and communicated to the Delhi High Court Bar Association. Advocates will get at least 21 days to apply.
An applicant must ordinarily have at least 10 years of practice, be enrolled with a Bar Council and have mainly practised before the High Court, trial or district courts, or specialised tribunals. The advocate must also ordinarily be at least 40 years old, although the Full Court may relax the age requirement.
The 10-year practice requirement will not apply to former Delhi Higher Judicial Service officers having less than 10 years of cumulative experience as judicial officers and/or at the Bar.
The rules specifically provide that canvassing for designation will lead to disqualification.
After applications are received, the secretariat will publish the names of eligible candidates and invite suggestions and views from stakeholders within four weeks. Inputs may also be sought from tribunal chairpersons and Principal District and Sessions Judges in appropriate cases.
The Full Court may consider factors including an advocate’s fairness, courtroom conduct, professional ethics, mentoring of junior advocates, pro bono work and standing in the legal fraternity. It is not required to record reasons for its decision.
The Full Court will endeavour to decide designations by consensus. If consensus is not reached, voting may be held, with designation requiring a two-thirds majority of judges who have voted. The Court may also decide to conduct voting through secret ballot.
Advocates whose applications are rejected will be ineligible for consideration for two years, after which they may seek review or reconsideration under the prescribed procedure.
The Full Court may also recall a Senior Advocate’s designation after providing the advocate an opportunity of hearing.
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