SC Introduces New Guidelines for Designation of Senior Advocates

The Supreme Court has released new guidelines titled “Guidelines for Designation of Senior Advocates by the Supreme Court of India, 2023,” which will replace the previous guidelines from 2018.

Notably, the new guidelines introduce a minimum age requirement of 45 years for applying for the senior gown, although this criterion can be waived if the Chief Justice of India (CJI) or a Supreme Court judge recommends the candidate. The Supreme Court Committee responsible for senior designations may also relax the age criteria.

These new guidelines have been formulated following a verdict by a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court two months ago. In the May 2023 judgment, the Court upheld the interview-based criteria used by High Courts and the Supreme Court for designating lawyers as Senior Advocates, but reduced the points awarded for the number of publications from 15 to 5.

As a result, the revised guidelines now feature a modified point system for assessing candidates. The points for academic publications have been reduced to 5, and teaching experience will also be considered alongside publications for evaluation. The number of points awarded for judgments has been increased from the previous 40 to 50.

Furthermore, in accordance with the May judgment, the new guidelines stipulate that secret ballot voting should only be employed in exceptional circumstances.