SC Upholds Rule Barring Retired Judges of Other States From Seeking Senior Advocate Tag in Delhi HC

The Supreme Court dismissed a plea challenging Rule 9B of the Delhi High Court (Designation of Senior Advocates) Rules, 2024, which bars retired judicial officers from other states from applying for senior advocate designation in Delhi.

The petitioner, a retired UP judge, argued the rule was discriminatory. But a bench of CJI BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran rejected the plea, noting the rule has a clear rationale. 

The Court remarked, “Why don’t you apply to the Supreme Court? In the SC, everybody can apply", before refusing to entertain the challenge further. The SC Court upheld the Delhi High Court’s reasoning for limiting eligibility to its former judicial officers.