INTRODUCTION
The Supreme Court of India is concentrating on the appointments of senior advocates in the Delhi High Court. A bunch of lawyers raised eyebrows about the fairness and transparency of selection processes and argued that there were irregularities in this procedure which also gave rise to a good deal of concern. The Supreme Court has properly analyzed the integrity of this designation process and any and all the claims of bias which resulted in giving out the notices to the Registrar General of the Delhi High Court.
BACKGROUND
The Supreme Court of India recently issued a comment which is regarding a case in the Senior Advocate designation procedure of the Delhi High Court. A set of lawyers who did not get the position and suspected that there was foul play have filed the petition. The Supreme Court has asked the Registrar General of Delhi High Court and the former committee member who got the position to come and testify in this case. The system of choosing a senior advocate has been set in the Advocate Act, 1961. The petitioners argue that the Delhi High Court’s process has become different from the set rules which has ended up leading to bias and favoritism.
KEY POINTS
- Comments on the Designation Process: The Supreme Court has commented on revising the process on how senior advocates will be assigned and there will be substantial changes that will affect many courts in India.
- Potential Impact on Future Appointments: If the Supreme Court rules in favor of the petitioners, it could lead to a revised selection mechanism applicable to all High Courts, setting a national precedent.
- Strengthening of 2017 Guidelines: The legal complaint may lead to a senior advocate designation framework that is more accountable and structured, guaranteeing equal opportunity and eradicating bias.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
The supreme court bench which was led by D.Y. Chandrachud, and has sent out notices to both the Registrar General of the Delhi High Court and other members asking them to deliver their responses to the accusations. One of the former members of the committee who quit from the selection panel has allegedly made comments, the substance of which suggests that there were important loopholes in the system. The Delhi High Court has been sought by the Supreme Court to specify the senior designation criteria and the selection process, which should be in line with the norms set by the 2017 Supreme Court guidelines.
CONCLUSION
The announcement made by the Supreme Court on the senior designation process of the Delhi High Court highlights a very vital step in attaining judicial accountability and transparency. This issue has been filled with accusations of bias, procedural irregularities, and obscurity, which can alter the landscape of all senior advocate appointments in India. In case of a positive outcome, this delay in the career path of legal professionals would, in turn, be a fair one.
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WRITTEN BY TANMAYEE VELLORE RAGHUNANDAN
