Supreme Court Upholds Delhi Rule on Retired Judges' Senior Advocate Application

The Supreme Court declined to entertain a petition challenging a specific rule of the Delhi High Court that restricts retired judges from other states from seeking senior advocate designation in Delhi. The rule in question, Rule 9B of the High Court of Delhi Designation of Senior Advocate Rules, 2024, pertains to the eligibility criteria for retired judges.

This rule permits only those who have retired from the Delhi Higher Judicial Service, with a tenure of at least 10 years, to apply for the designation. The bench, led by Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, dismissed the plea filed by Vijai Pratap Singh, a retired judicial officer from Uttar Pradesh.

Singh argued that the rule was constitutionally flawed as it established a 'class within class'. However, the court suggested Singh apply to the Supreme Court for the designation, where no such restriction exists.

(With inputs from agencies.)