Former President of the Advocates' Association, Bengaluru, A.P. Ranganatha has written to the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court seeking immediate commencement and completion of the process for designation of Senior Advocates, pointing out that nearly five years have elapsed since the last round of designations in 2021.

In his representation dated July 11, Ranganatha urged the Court to expedite the process initiated through the notification dated April 4, 2024, contending that the prolonged delay has left several deserving advocates awaiting consideration despite their years of practice and contribution to the administration of justice.

For context, the High Court last invited applications for designation as Senior Advocates through a notification dated December 17, 2020, pursuant to which designations were conferred in 2021. Despite a fresh notification issued on April 4, 2024, inviting applications, the process has not been allegedly taken forward.

“…Nearly five years have since elapsed without any further designations, notwithstanding the Notification dated 04.04.2024 inviting fresh applications," the representation states, adding that the prolonged delay has left "a large number of deserving advocates, who have attained distinction through decades of practice, continuing to await consideration despite their demonstrated professional excellence, integrity and contribution to the administration of justice”, the letter says.

The representation to the court also draws attention to the Supreme Court's landmark judgment in Indira Jaising v. Supreme Court of India, which laid down comprehensive guidelines governing the designation of Senior Advocates and observed that the process should ordinarily be undertaken at least once every calendar year to ensure regularity, transparency and equal opportunity for deserving members of the Bar.

Reliance was also placed on recent Supreme Court ruling in Jitender @ Kalla v. State (Govt. of NCT of Delhi) & Anr., wherein the apex court reaffirmed that designation must be based on merit, integrity, professional standing, and contribution to the administration of justice, while recognising the achievements of advocates practising across all forums, including Trial Courts and specialised Tribunals.

Ranganatha has also highlighted the exceptional ability and commitment of members of the Karnataka Bar. He noted that numerous advocates have earned recognition for their learning, integrity, and service to the institution over years of dedicated practice, and it is "only appropriate that their cases receive timely consideration."

"The Karnataka Bar has long been recognised for its distinguished contribution to the development of law and the administration of justice. An early completion of the designation process would uphold institutional continuity, give effect to the law declared by the Hon'ble Supreme Court, and ensure timely recognition of members of the Bar who have rendered exemplary service to the legal profession," the representation states.