Supreme Court Dismisses Plea Challenging Senior Advocate Designations
NEW DELHI: In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea that challenged the Delhi High Court’s decision to confer senior designations on 70 lawyers. The court emphasized that no advocate receives preferential treatment merely based on their gown.
A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and K Vinod Chandran dismissed the petition filed by advocate Mathews J Nedumpara and others. The petitioners argued that the classification of lawyers into senior advocates and others violated the principle of constitutional equality. Justice Gavai remarked, “We don’t see that anybody gets a better treatment in this court merely because he has a different gown.”
During the hearing, Nedumpara expressed concerns regarding delays in case listings, particularly for bail applications at the Bombay High Court. Justice Gavai countered, highlighting that judges often work late to manage pending cases, stating, “The judges are also human beings… they are trying to do their best.”
When the petitioners suggested appointing more judges to expedite justice delivery, the bench clarified, “It is not in our hands to appoint more judges.” Furthermore, the bench refuted claims that lawyers feared the court, asserting, “Nobody is fearful… Lawyers are fearless. Lawyers have led the freedom movement of this country.”
The petition had challenged Sections 16 and 23(5) of the Advocates Act, arguing that the classification granted “favours and privileges” to a select few. Previously, the apex court criticized “scurrilous and unfounded allegations” against judges in the plea.
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In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s ruling reinforces the notion that all advocates should be treated equally, regardless of their designation, ensuring a fair legal landscape in India.
