In a recent development, the Supreme Court of India has designated seven former Judges of various High Courts as Senior Advocates. The decision was taken during a Full Court Meeting chaired by the Chief Justice of India and attended by the Judges of the Supreme Court.
The Notification
The notification, issued on March 19, 2026, by the Registrar (CDSA), Devender Pal Walia, formalizes the designations which are effective retrospectively from March 18, 2026.
The notification states:
“In a Full Court Meeting held on 18th March 2026, the Chief Justice of India and the Judges of the Supreme Court of India have designated the following former Judges of the High Courts as Senior Advocates with effect from 18th March 2026.”
List of Designated Senior Advocates
The seven former Judges designated as Senior Advocates, listed in alphabetical order, are:
- Shri Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal: Former Judge of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana.
- Ms. Justice Harsha Nathalal Devani: Former Judge of the High Court of Gujarat.
- Shri Justice M.S. Ramesh: Former Judge of the High Court of Madras.
- Mrs. Justice Mauna M. Bhatt: Former Judge of the High Court of Gujarat.
- Dr. (Ms.) Justice R.N. Manjula: Former Judge of the High Court of Madras.
- Shri Justice Umesh Chandra Dhyani: Former Judge of the High Court of Uttarakhand.
- Shri Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul: Former Judge of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
The designation of Senior Advocates is governed by Section 16 of the Advocates Act, 1961, which empowers the Supreme Court or a High Court to designate an advocate as a ‘Senior Advocate’ if the court is of the opinion that by virtue of their ability, standing at the Bar, or special knowledge or experience in law, they are deserving of such distinction.
For retired judicial officers and former High Court judges, the Supreme Court follows a settled process of evaluation during Full Court Meetings. Once designated, these individuals are subject to certain restrictions as per the Bar Council of India rules, such as not being permitted to file Vakalatnamas or appearing without a junior advocate.
