Mr.Sriram Panchu,Ld, v. The Madras High Court

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 25.07.2025 CORAM :

THE HONOURABLE MR. MANINDRA MOHAN SHRIVASTAVA, CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE SUNDER MOHAN Sriram Panchu ..

Petitioner in both W.Ps.

[Substituted vide order dated 22.04.2024 in WMP Nos.11977 & 11978/24] Vs.

The Madras High Court Rep. by its Registrar General NSC Bose Road Respondent in Chennai 600 104.

..

both W.Ps.

Prayer : Petitions filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking (i) a writ of Declaration declaring that Rule 7(8) of the Madras High Court Designation of Senior Advocates Rules, 2020 as ultra vires offending Article 14 of the Constitution of India; and (ii) a writ of Mandamus directing the respondent to reconsider the designation of those learned advocates who were approved by the Permanent Committee as fit for senior designation pursuant to the notification No.204/2020 dated 16.09.2020, Notification No.1/2022 dated 30.06.2022 but did not secure majority in the impugned secret ballot conducted by the Full Court.

For Petitioner :

Mr.V.Prakash Senior Counsel For Mr.T.Ramkumar For Respondent :

Mr.S.Mahesh

ORDER

(Order of the Court was made by the Hon'ble Chief Justice) Though short accommodation is prayed for, we are not inclined to grant adjournment in this case in view of the subsequent events.

2. During the pendency of this petition, Hon'ble Supreme Court has passed an order on 13.05.2025 in Jitender @ Kalla v. State (Govt. of NCT of Delhi) and another in Crl.A.No.865 of 2025 issuing directions for amendment of the Rules relating to the designation of Senior Advocates.

3. Learned counsel for the respondent, upon instructions,

would submit that in compliance of the directions issued by the Supreme Court, the High Court on administrative side has already taken up the matter and amendment in the existing Rules are in contemplation.

3. Taking into consideration these new developments, we are not inclined to keep these two petitions pending, but to dispose of.

4. It goes without saying that it will be open to the petitioner to lay challenge in case, the Rules that may be framed are not in accordance with the directions issued by the Supreme Court in the matter.

5. Petitions are disposed. There shall be no order as to costs. (MANINDRA MOHAN SHRIVASTAVA, CJ) (SUNDER MOHAN,J) 25.07.2025 Index :

Yes/No Yes/No kpl

To The Registrar General Madras High Court NSC Bose Road Chennai 600 104.

THE HON'BLE CHIEF JUSTICE AND SUNDER MOHAN,J.

(kpl) 25.07.2025