Overview

• The Supreme Court has eliminated the marking-based evaluation system for senior advocate designations, opting for full-bench decisions by consensus or democratic voting.
• High courts have been directed to amend their rules within four months to align with the new guidelines, and no new applications will be accepted under the old framework.
• The minimum eligibility of ten years of legal practice remains unchanged, and courts may confer designations without formal applications in deserving cases.
• High courts must now ensure greater diversity by considering advocates from trial courts and specialized tribunals for senior designations.
• These reforms follow concerns arising from a February 2025 case of misrepresentation by a senior advocate, prompting a review of the previous system.