Kerala High Court’s Draft Rules for Designation of Senior Advocates: Age, Experience, & Ethics

The Kerala High Court published draft “High Court of Kerala (Designation of Senior Advocates) Rules, 2025,” inviting objections by October 6, 2025. Under the draft rules, eligibility to be designated a Senior Advocate requires a minimum of 45 years of age and at least 10 years of practice as an Advocate—this may include service as District & Sessions Judge or as a Tribunal member, with at least three years of that as an Advocate post-retirement. Other criteria include having attained eminence at the Bar, maintaining high standards of decorum and ethics, acting as a mentor to junior advocates, engaging in pro bono work, and not having been convicted of offences involving moral turpitude or punished by Bar Councils. The draft includes that unsuccessful applicants may apply again only after two years, and the designation may be revoked for misconduct. Applications will be placed before the Full Court after advertisement.