The Allahabad High Court has directed the impleadment of 90 advocates, recently designated as Senior Advocates, as respondents in a writ petition challenging the notification of their designation. The Division Bench observed that the designated advocates are “necessary and proper parties” to the adjudication of the dispute.
Background of the Case
The order was passed by the Division Bench comprising Justice Shekhar B. Saraf and Justice Rajeev Bharti in a writ petition filed by Anupam Mehrotra in person.
The petition, titled Anupam Mehrotra v. High Court U.P. Thru. Registrar General Prayagraj And 3 Others (Writ-C No. 11668 of 2025), challenges the notification dated November 5, 2025. This notification, issued by the Registrar General of the Allahabad High Court, notified 90 Advocates to be designated as Senior Advocates with effect from November 5, 2025.
Court’s Observations and Analysis
During the proceedings, the Court heard the petitioner in person and Shri Vijay Dixit, learned counsel appearing on behalf of respondent Nos. 1 to 4.
Upon reviewing the cause title of the petition, the Bench noted that the 90 individuals who were the subject of the impugned designation had not been made parties to the case. The Court viewed their presence as essential for the proceedings.
The Court observed:
“We are of the view that they are necessary and proper parties and are required to be added as respondents to the present writ petition.”
Decision and Directions
In light of this observation, the Court directed the writ petitioner to implead the 90 persons designated as Senior Advocates as respondents in the array of parties.
To facilitate the service of notice, the Court took note of the digital availability of contact details. The Bench directed:
“As the e-mail addresses of the Senior Advocates have been uploaded on the website, the writ petitioner is directed to serve notice upon all of these 90 persons by way of e-mail.”
The Court granted time for pleadings to be completed. The respondents, including the newly added respondents, have been directed to file their counter affidavits within a period of four weeks. The petitioner has been granted liberty to file a rejoinder affidavit, if any, within a period of two weeks thereafter.
The matter has been listed for the next hearing on January 28, 2026.
Case Details:
- Case Title: Anupam Mehrotra Vs. High Court U.P. Thru. Registrar General Prayagraj And 3 Others
- Case Number: WRIT-C No. 11668 of 2025
- Coram: Justice Shekhar B. Saraf and Justice Rajeev Bharti
- Counsel for Petitioner: In Person (Anupam Mehrotra)
- Counsel for Respondents: Shri Vijay Dixit
