New rules bar senior advocates from seeking adjournment or mentioning

Lawyers above 45 years of age and with a standing of not less than 10 years in the Bar would be considered for the designation. They should submit income tax returns for the last 10 years and exhibit distinction and eminence for legal acumen and special knowledge. Besides integrity both inside and outside the court, they should have at least 15 judgments in the preceding five years where they had contributed to the growth of law, the rules said.

A permanent secretariat would be established in the High Court for dealing with designation of senior advocates. Every proposal for designation would be published on the High Court website inviting views and suggestions, along with verifiable materials, within 30 days. The rules make it clear that the secretariat would not receive any anonymous or pseudonymous petitions or views. Only submissions, views or suggestions given in writing with full name and address of the addressor, would be entertained.

Proposals made to the permanent secretariat would be placed before a permanent committee comprising the Chief Justice, next two judges in the order of seniority, Advocate General and one nominated member from the Bar. The recommendations with specific remarks would be placed before the Full Court, the rules said.

As per the rules, any proposal not considered favourably would be reviewed or reconsidered only after two years and not before that.