Bar Council Objects to HC Decision on Senior Advocate Designations; Seeks Clarification on Criteria
Babushahi Network Bureau
Chandigarh, October 23, 2025: The Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana has raised serious objections to the recent decision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court to designate a new batch of senior advocates, alleging irregularities and lack of transparency in the process.
During an extraordinary meeting held at the Bar Council office in Chandigarh under the chairmanship of Rakesh Gupta, the members discussed widespread complaints from the legal fraternity claiming that “due process was not followed” in finalizing the list of designated senior advocates released on October 20, 2025.
The Council noted concerns of “favouritism and nepotism”, stating that several deserving candidates were overlooked while many allegedly undeserving names were included.
Before taking further action, the Bar Council has decided to formally seek detailed clarification from the High Court regarding:
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The procedure adopted for selection and designation of senior advocates.
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Whether the process followed the Indira Jaising judgment and new or old rules.
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The marking system and criteria used for evaluation.
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Whether marks were uploaded on the website before the Full Court meeting.
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If candidates inactive in court proceedings were also considered.
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Whether the notification for applications was circulated to all Bar Associations.
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The criteria, if any, for SC/ST and women candidates.
The Council emphasized that it is duty-bound under Section 6(d) of the Advocates Act, 1961, to safeguard the rights and interests of advocates.
The meeting has been deferred to October 31, 2025, for further deliberations after receiving a response from the High Court.
One member Hargobinder Singh Gill recorded his dissent to the resolution.
HC recently has designated 76 advocates as Senior Lawyers.
Click to read copy of the Resolution:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ass5L3WAkKt14_56I5huGXM34p4FuKsT/view?usp=sharing
Click at the link to get the list of advocated designated as senior advocates:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vbz36s7eTU5SE0rb7uo5N8NezTVPVC4w/view?usp=sharing