The Punjab and Haryana High Court has elevated seventy-six lawyers to the distinguished rank of Senior Advocate, marking one of the most significant rounds of such designations in recent years. The decision, made after careful evaluation by the court’s permanent committee and subsequently approved by the Full Court, underscores the institution’s commitment to recognizing professional excellence, integrity, and contribution to public service within the legal community.

A total of 210 advocates had applied for senior designation in 2024. Their applications were scrutinized through a structured and transparent selection process that assessed each candidate’s professional experience, knowledge of law, ethical standing, and overall contribution to the Bar and Bench.

Initially, the committee recommended sixty-four names for consideration, and following further deliberations, twelve more were added by the Full Court, bringing the final total to seventy-six. This group now joins the ranks of more than three hundred senior advocates currently practicing before the High Court.

The newly designated seniors will also be expected to uphold the court’s tradition of public service by handling at least ten pro bono or free legal-aid cases every year. This requirement reflects the judiciary’s broader vision of ensuring that legal expertise serves not only private interests but also the cause of social justice. By linking the honor of senior designation with a tangible obligation toward the underprivileged, the High Court has reinforced the idea that the legal profession carries an inherent responsibility to support equal access to justice.

This latest round of designations is especially significant because it comes three years after the previous round, which took place in 2021. Over time, the designation of Senior Advocate granted under Section 16 of the Advocates Act, 1961 has come to symbolize not just seniority or experience, but also a recognition of exceptional advocacy, sound judgment, and exemplary conduct in court. Those who receive this honor are expected to set a high standard for the profession and to mentor younger members of the Bar.

Among the lawyers conferred with the title this year are several prominent figures who have made notable contributions to various branches of law. Anil Malhotra, a leading practitioner in family law, has earned recognition for his expertise in international matrimonial disputes and cross-border child abduction cases. Major (Retired) Navdeep Singh, an authority in military and service law, has also built a reputation as a writer and reform advocate, contributing significantly to policy discussions affecting veterans and armed forces personnel. The list also includes Sartej Singh Narula, the current President of the High Court Bar Association, whose leadership and commitment to the welfare of the Bar have been widely appreciated.

Other recipients include Vikas Chatrath, a respected service-law expert known for his educational outreach through legal discussions and media, and Lokesh Sinhal, the Senior Additional Advocate General for Haryana, who frequently represents the state in the Supreme Court and in high-profile administrative matters. Another name of note is Divya Sharma, one of five women among the newly designated seniors, who has been serving on the Central Government’s Senior Panel since 2023 and is recognized for her work in constitutional and public law.

The announcement has been met with approval across the legal community, with many lawyers welcoming the transparent and merit-driven process adopted by the High Court. The inclusion of advocates from diverse practice areas—ranging from civil and criminal litigation to constitutional and service law reflects the court’s effort to recognize excellence across the spectrum of legal practice rather than focusing on a single specialization. The addition of more women advocates to the senior ranks has also been seen as a positive move toward inclusivity and gender balance within the higher echelons of the Bar.

By insisting that newly designated seniors undertake pro bono work, the High Court has set a progressive precedent that other courts may follow. This approach ensures that the honor of seniority is paired with a sense of duty toward society and helps channel the expertise of experienced lawyers into causes that advance justice for all. It also strengthens the bond between the Bar and the public, demonstrating that the highest recognition in the legal profession comes with an enduring obligation to serve.

The conferral of senior designations upon seventy-six advocates not only honors individual achievement but also reinforces the principles upon which the legal system stands competence, integrity, and service to the community. Through this process, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has sent a clear message that professional distinction must go hand in hand with social commitment, ensuring that the law continues to serve as a tool of fairness and equity for all.

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