The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) has written to Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, requesting the immediate initiation of a fresh round of applications for the designation of Senior Advocates. The appeal comes more than a year after the last call for applications was issued.
In a letter dated December 3, 2025, SCAORA emphasized that the designation of Senior Advocates is a crucial acknowledgment of professional excellence and a milestone that inspires the legal fraternity to uphold high standards of practice and ethics. The Association noted that several eligible Advocates and Advocates-on-Record (AORs) who regularly appear before the Supreme Court have been waiting for the opportunity to be considered for elevation.
SCAORA highlighted that under the existing Guidelines for Designation of Senior Advocates, the Committee responsible for the process is expected to initiate a fresh cycle at least once every year. This periodicity, the letter states, is essential to ensuring transparency, regularity, and fairness in the selection process.
The communication further observed that predictability in the process strengthens the institutional mechanism for recognizing merit, integrity, and contributions to the legal profession. SCAORA added that the absence of an annual call for applications creates uncertainty and delays in acknowledging deserving candidates.
“In light of the above,” the letter concludes, “SCAORA most respectfully requests Your Lordship to initiate the next round of fresh applications for the designation of Senior Advocates at the earliest.”
The letter was signed by Nikhil Jain, Honorary Secretary of SCAORA, and formally submitted for consideration at the Supreme Court registry.
The matter now awaits the response of the Chief Justice of India and the subsequent action of the Committee for Designation of Senior Advocates.
