A wave of anticipation has gripped the legal corridors of Karnataka, as 97 lawyers throw their hats in the ring, vying for the prestigious Senior Advocate designation at the Karnataka High Court. This surge of applications follows a call issued by the High Court’s registry on April 4, inviting seasoned practitioners to pursue the coveted gown.
Each applicant has presented their credentials with endorsements from two already designated Senior Advocates, as stipulated by the Karnataka High Court (Designation of Senior Advocates) Rules, 2018. These rules ensure that applicants are rigorously evaluated across a spectrum of criteria: experience earns between 10 and 20 points, while their influence on the law—captured through both reported and unreported judgments—can add up to 40 more.
Academic contributions carry a weight of up to 15 points, but the final and arguably most elusive 25 points hinge on a candidate’s “personality and suitability,” judged in a formal interview setting.
The registry has opened the floor to stakeholders, inviting them to weigh in on the candidates. Suggestions must be submitted by November 28, making this a season of close scrutiny and legal appraisal. This process, reminiscent of the December 2021 wave when 51 lawyers ascended to the Senior Advocate ranks, is set to once again reshape the High Court’s elite legal echelon.
