Supreme Court Notifies New Guidelines for Designation of Senior Advocates

The Supreme Court has notified the Guidelines for Designation of Senior Advocates, 2026, replacing the earlier 100-point assessment system with a qualitative evaluation framework.

The Court said candidates will now be assessed based on ability, standing at the Bar, and special knowledge or experience in law. Eligibility requires at least 10 years of practice or a combined 10 years as an advocate and judicial officer.

A permanent secretariat will collect material on integrity and reputation before consideration by the Full Court.

Decisions will ordinarily be by consensus, with secret ballot in exceptional cases.