The Supreme Court of India has designated four former Chief Justices and Judges of the High Courts as Senior Advocates. The decision was taken during a Full Court Meeting held on December 10, 2025.
In a significant development, the Chief Justice of India and the Judges of the Supreme Court of India exercised their powers to confer the distinction of Senior Advocate upon four retired High Court judges. The designation, made under the constitutional powers of the Apex Court, comes into effect from December 10, 2025.
The designation of Senior Advocates by the Supreme Court is governed by the guidelines aimed at identifying and recognizing legal luminaries for their contribution to the profession. In the Full Court Meeting convened on Wednesday, the judges deliberated on the applications and profiles of former High Court judges.
Following the meeting, the Registrar (CDSA), Devender Pal Walia, issued an official notification confirming the designations. This process allows former judges to practice as Senior Advocates in the Supreme Court and other courts, subject to the applicable rules regarding post-retirement practice.
List of Designated Senior Advocates
According to the notification, the following former Judges have been designated as Senior Advocates:
- Shri Justice Abhinand Kumar Shavili – Former Judge, High Court for the State of Telangana.
- Shri Justice Pavankumar B. Bajenthri – Former Chief Justice, High Court of Judicature at Patna.
- Shri Justice Satyendra Singh Chauhan – Former Judge, High Court of Judicature at Allahabad.
- Shri Justice T.S. Sivagnanam – Former Chief Justice, High Court at Calcutta.
The notification clarifies that these designations are effective immediately from the date of the meeting, i.e., December 10, 2025. The conferment of the Senior gown is a mark of distinction, recognizing the vast judicial experience and legal expertise these former judges bring to the Bar.
