Plea in Supreme Court Alleges Bias in Senior Advocate Designations

A petition has been filed before the Supreme Court of India raising serious concerns over the process of designation of senior advocates by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.





Background of the Petition

The plea, filed by advocate Satish Chaudhary, challenges the High Court’s October 2025 list of newly designated senior advocates.

The petitioner alleges that despite fulfilling eligibility criteria and having over three decades of legal practice, his name was excluded from the final list.




Key Allegations

The petition raises important issues regarding:

⚖️ Lack of Transparency

The selection process is alleged to be opaque and lacking clear justification.

⚖️ Violation of Equality

It is argued that the process violates constitutional guarantees under Articles 14 and 21.

⚖️ Arbitrary Selection

The petitioner claims that:

He scored 50 out of 100 in evaluation

Several candidates with lower scores (37–46) were selected

His name was not even placed before the Full Court





Reliance on Supreme Court Guidelines

The petition relies on the landmark judgment in Indira Jaising v. Supreme Court of India, which laid down:

Objective and transparent selection criteria

Structured evaluation process

Emphasis on fairness and inclusivity


The petitioner contends that these guidelines were not properly followed.




What Happens Next?

The matter is scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court, where the Court may examine:

Whether the High Court followed due process

Compliance with established guidelines

Scope of judicial review in designation matters





Legal Significance

This case could have wider implications:

✔ Reform in Designation Process

May lead to stricter transparency norms.

✔ Reinforcement of Judicial Standards

Ensures High Courts adhere to Supreme Court guidelines.

✔ Impact on Legal Profession

Could reshape how senior advocate designations are granted across India.




Conclusion

The petition highlights growing concerns about fairness and objectivity in senior advocate designations. As the Supreme Court takes up the matter, the outcome could significantly influence the credibility and transparency of the designation process in Indian courts.




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HighCourt Chandigarh Senior Advocate-News