Guidelines for Designation of Senior Advocates by the Supreme Court of India, 2023

Central · 2023

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Chapter Section 1

S. 1Section establishes the official name for the 2023 guidelines for Supreme Court's designation of Senior Advocates.

Chapter Section 2

S. 2Section 2 establishes a Permanent Committee to handle all matters regarding the designation of Senior Advocates in the Supreme Court.

Chapter Section 3

S. 3Section 3 outlines the composition of the Committee for Designation of Senior Advocates, including the Chief Justice, two senior judges, the Attorney General, and a Bar member.

Chapter Section 4

S. 4—

Chapter Section 5

S. 5Section 5 establishes a permanent secretariat for the Committee, with its composition determined by the Chief Justice of India.

Chapter Section 6

S. 6Section 6 allows the Chief Justice or a Supreme Court judge to recommend an advocate for senior advocate designation based on their ability and experience.

Chapter Section 7

S. 7Section 7 mandates the Secretariat to annually initiate the process for designating Senior Advocates by inviting applications.

Chapter Section 8

S. 8Section 8 mandates the Supreme Court to publish application notices for Senior Advocates on its website and inform relevant bar associations.

Chapter Section 9

S. 9Section 9 mandates a 21-day notice period for applicants to submit their applications for Senior Advocate designation.

Chapter Section 10

S. 10Section 10 outlines eligibility criteria for Advocates to be designated as Senior Advocates, including ten years of practice and age 45.

Chapter Section 11

S. 11Section compiles data and information on Advocates' reputation, conduct, and integrity for Supreme Court Senior Advocate designation.

Chapter Section 12

S. 12Section 12 mandates the Secretariat to publish proposals for senior advocate designation and solicit stakeholder feedback.

Chapter Section 13

S. 13Section 13 requires a 15-day notice period for stakeholders to provide feedback on proposed senior advocate designations.

Chapter Section 14

S. 14Section 14 directs the Secretariat to present proposals to the Committee after compiling the database and collected information.

Chapter Section 15

S. 15Section 15 outlines the point-based criteria for evaluating applications for designation as Senior Advocates.

Chapter Section 16

S. 16Section 16 allows the committee to limit the number of candidates for interviews in the selection process for senior advocates.

Chapter Section 17

S. 17Section 17 lists all shortlisted names for interview, including those cleared by the Committee, for Supreme Court's Full Court review.

Chapter Section 18

S. 18Section 18 prohibits secret ballot voting for designating senior advocates except in exceptional circumstances.

Chapter Section 19

S. 19Section 19 allows unfavorably decided cases to be reviewed after two years, while still permitting applications to High Courts for Senior Advocate designation.

Chapter Section 20

S. 20Section 20 delays reconsideration of cases deferred for Senior Advocate designation for one year.

Chapter Section 21

S. 21Section allows former Chief Justices and High Court Judges to request designation as Senior Advocates.

Chapter Section 22

S. 22Section 22 mandates the Supreme Court's Full Court to consider requests from former Chief Justices and High Court Judges for Senior Advocate designation.

Chapter Section 23

S. 23Section 23 prohibits former Chief Justices and High Court Judges on full-time assignments from being designated as Senior Advocates.

Chapter Section 24

S. 24Section 24 states that the Supreme Court will individually inform applicants of the final decision on their designation as Senior Advocates.

Chapter Section 25

S. 25Section allows the Full Court to revoke a Senior Advocate designation if found guilty of conduct deemed disentitling, after a hearing.

Chapter Section 26

S. 26Section 26 states that all interpretation and application questions regarding the Guidelines are referred to the Chief Justice of India for final decision.