Punjab & Haryana High Court Designates 76 Senior Advocates, Mandates Pro Bono Legal Aid

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has elevated 76 lawyers to Senior Advocate status, including five women, significantly boosting its legal elite. A crucial condition mandates each new Senior Advocate handle 10 free legal aid cases annually, reinforcing the court’s commitment to access to justice. This expansion brings the total Senior Advocates to over 300.

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has officially elevated 76 distinguished lawyers to the esteemed rank of Senior Advocate, a move that not only expands the court’s roster of legal luminaries but also solidifies its commitment to public service. A landmark condition accompanying these appointments mandates that each newly designated Senior Advocate undertake 10 pro bono (free legal aid) cases every year, ensuring greater access to justice for underprivileged sections of society.

Among the newly inducted Senior Advocates are five accomplished women lawyers, reflecting a growing diversity within the higher echelons of the legal profession. This latest cohort brings the total number of Senior Advocates practicing before the High Court to more than 300, marking a substantial increase since the last appointments in 2021.

The rigorous selection process saw 210 applicants vying for the prestigious title. Initially, a committee approved 64 candidates, but a subsequent vote by the Full Court added 12 more, culminating in the final list of 76. The process, which had faced delays due to a pending matter in the Supreme Court concerning Senior Advocate designation procedures, underscores the stringent criteria for elevation.

Notable individuals among the appointees include Sartej Singh Narula, the incumbent President of the Punjab & Haryana High Court Bar Association, alongside several government counsels and specialists in diverse fields such as military law (Maj. Navdeep Singh) and family law (Anil Malhotra). This expansion of senior legal talent, coupled with the mandatory pro bono requirement, is poised to strengthen both the legal fraternity and the provision of legal assistance across the region.

Source: Jagran