The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a petition filed by Advocate Mathews J Nedumpara challenging the Delhi High Court’s decision to confer senior designations on 70 advocates.
A bench comprising Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran presided over the hearing.
During the proceedings, Justice Gavai emphasized that no lawyer receives preferential treatment in the Apex Court based on their status as a senior advocate.
“We don’t see anybody getting better treatment here because of a different gown,” Justice Gavai asserted in response to Nedumpara’s claims that many junior lawyers perceived such discrimination. “Lawyers must be fearless,” he added.
The court previously reprimanded Nedumpara for alleging nepotism in senior designations and had warned him of contempt proceedings if the accusations were not withdrawn.
Upon dismissing the petition, Justice Gavai made a sharp observation: “If you want this provision removed, get elected to Parliament.” Nedumpara responded by indicating his intention to pursue the matter further.
In 2023, the Supreme Court had already rejected a similar petition from Nedumpara challenging the constitutional validity of Section 16 and Section 23(5) of the Advocates Act, which governs the designation and privileges of senior advocates.
