Senior Designations: Justice Ranjan Gogoi won’t attend full court meetings, matter to be heard on Aug 10

Justice Ranjan Gogoi has recused from attending the full court meetings of Supreme Court to designate lawyers as Senior Advocates since he is hearing a challenge by Senior Advocate Indira Jaising to the process of designation.

Indira Jaising tweeted the following today:

The Supreme Court had put Senior designations on hold since the petition filed by Jaising, challenging the process for designating advocates as Seniors, is pending before the Supreme Court.

However, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) had brought the issue to the notice of the Chief Justice of India who had then assured the office bearers of SCBA that he will talk to Justice Ranjan Gogoi to see if the Court can resume the process of designating lawyers as Senior Advocates.

A note circulated by SCBA President RS Suri stated the following:

“Hon’ble Chief Justice also informed that he would talk to Hon’ble Justice Gogoi and see if full court meeting can take place for designation of seniors.   He agreed to the same after being appraised that Supreme Court lawyers who deserve to be designated are facing a handicap in light of High Courts continuing to designate seniors.”

Subsequently, Jaising proceeded to mention the matter today. Justice Gogoi told Jaising that he has recused from full court meetings and will hear the case. The case is now listed for final hearing on August 10.