In a full court meeting on 17 September 2025, the Chief Justice of India and other judges collectively decided to confer the prestigious title of Senior Advocate on seven retired High Court judges. This designation is a recognition of their decades of contribution to the judiciary.
Who Made the List
- Justice Attau Rahman Masoodi – Former Judge, Allahabad High Court
- Justice Avinash Gharote – Former Judge, Bombay High Court
- Justice D. Krishna Kumar – Former Chief Justice, Manipur High Court
- Justice G. Ilangovan – Former Judge, Madras High Court
- Justice Jitendra Kumar Chauhan – Former Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court
- Justice R. Subramanian – Former Judge, Madras High Court
- Justice Virendra Gyansingh Bisht – Former Judge, Bombay High Court
Being designated a Senior Advocate is not just an honorific. It means these former judges are now recognized as legal experts whose arguments and presence in the courtroom carry extra weight. In Indian legal practice, Senior Advocates enjoy a special standing and their opinions often shape key legal debates.
This decision underscores the Supreme Court’s appreciation for experienced voices in the legal fraternity. By elevating retired judges to Senior Advocates, the court signals that their wisdom should continue to guide the profession even after their retirement from the bench.
The order clearly states that the designation takes effect immediately from the date of the meeting, ensuring these former judges can begin their new role without delay.
