Supreme Court Designates Seven Retired High Court Judges as Senior Advocates

The Supreme Court has designated seven retired High Court judges as Senior Advocates, marking a notable development in the legal fraternity. The decision was taken in a full court meeting held on March 18 and chaired by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.

An official notification issued on March 19 confirmed that the designation would take effect immediately. The move recognises the judges’ long service, legal standing, and contribution to the administration of justice during their time on the Bench.

Those designated as Senior Advocates are Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal, former judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court; Justice Harsha Nathalal Devani, former judge of the Gujarat High Court; and Justice MS Ramesh, former judge of the Madras High Court.

The list also includes Justice Mauna M Bhatt, who served on the Gujarat High Court, and Justice RN Manjula, former judge of the Madras High Court. Both are now entitled to the status and recognition that come with the Senior Advocate designation.

The remaining names are Justice Umesh Chandra Dhyani, former judge of the Uttarakhand High Court, and Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul, former judge of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. With this, all seven former judges have been formally elevated in the seniority structure of the Bar.

The designation of Senior Advocate carries special significance in the legal system. It is reserved for advocates who have shown exceptional ability, deep legal knowledge, and standing in the profession. When retired judges receive this recognition, it also reflects the value of their judicial experience in the courtroom after retirement.

Such a designation is not merely honorary. Senior Advocates often play an important role in complex constitutional, civil, criminal, and commercial matters. Their presence can influence major legal arguments, especially in higher courts where experience and clarity of advocacy matter greatly.

This latest decision is also significant because it comes through a full court process of the Supreme Court, which gives the designation institutional weight. It shows that the top court considered these former judges fit for the distinction after assessing their background and professional standing.

For the legal community, the announcement is likely to be seen as both a recognition of past judicial service and an opening for continued contribution in legal practice. These retired judges now enter a new professional chapter, this time from the Bar, with the stature of Senior Advocates.

The development also highlights how the Supreme Court continues to shape the professional hierarchy of the legal system, not only through its judgements but also through decisions that define recognition, merit, and standing within the profession.