Delhi High Court Overhauls Senior Advocate Designation Rules
Public Lokpal
September 22, 2026
Delhi High Court Overhauls Senior Advocate Designation Rules
The Delhi High Court has replaced its rigid 100-point evaluation system for Senior Advocate designations with a qualitative, consensus-based framework.
Following Supreme Court directives, the mechanical point rubric has been abolished. A newly established Permanent Secretariat will now collect candidate data, inviting stakeholder feedback on applicants' ethics, courtroom conduct, pro bono contributions, and professional standing.
Under the revised rules, final designations are determined directly by the Full Court through a consensus or a two-thirds majority vote, entirely removing numerical scoring for reported judgments.
To protect the sanctity of the process, canvassing or lobbying is strictly banned, carrying an immediate disqualification and a two-year reapplication bar.
This reform emphasizes a holistic evaluation of an advocate's true legal caliber, integrity, and overall contribution to the justice system.