Professional ethicsSenior advocateSupreme Court of India (3 Judges)

Jitender @ Kalla v State (Govt. of NCT of Delhi)

2025 INSC 66720251 min read
The case in brief30-second read
Facts
A two-judge bench in Jitender @ Kalla (20 Feb 2025, 2025 INSC 249) raised concerns about the senior designation process laid down in Indira Jaising v Supreme Court of India (2017) 9 SCC 766, and the issue was placed before a larger bench.
Issue
Whether the Indira Jaising process for designating Senior Advocates under S.16(2) needs change.
Held
The points-based system and interview are not to be continued.
Principle
Senior designation under S.16(2): the points-based assessment and interview of Indira Jaising (2017) are no longer to be used; the Full Court decides.
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Facts

  • A two-judge bench in Jitender @ Kalla (20 Feb 2025, 2025 INSC 249) raised concerns about the senior designation process laid down in Indira Jaising v Supreme Court of India (2017) 9 SCC 766, and the issue was placed before a larger bench.

Issue

  1. Whether the Indira Jaising process for designating Senior Advocates under S.16(2) needs change.

Held

  • The points-based system and interview are not to be continued.
  • The decision on designation is for the Full Court; voting may be used if consensus fails.
  • A minimum of 10 years' practice remains; advocates may apply; designation should happen at least once a year.
  • High Courts were asked to frame or amend their rules within four months.

Ratio decidendi

S.16(2) lets the Supreme Court and High Courts designate an advocate as senior, with consent, by reason of ability, standing at the Bar or special knowledge; the process is controlled by the Full Court.

Exam use

How to use it in an answer

  • Part A (6 marks): Cite for: current senior designation process (2025).
  • Part B (16 marks): Use in answers on classes of advocates (S.16).
  • Key line for exam: "Designation is a decision of the Full Court."

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Citation

Jitender @ Kalla v State (Govt. of NCT of Delhi) 2025 INSC 667

Reported: https://indiankanoon.org/doc/105819735/. This is an educational summary, not the judgment itself. Cite the reported version in professional or academic work.