'Those whose Designation is Challenged must be heard': HC directs Petitioner to implead 81 Senior Advocates

The Calcutta High Court has directed a petitioner challenging the designation of Senior Advocates under a notification dated November 26, 2024, to implead all the lawyers who received the designation as respondents in the case. Justice Krishna Rao issued the direction while hearing a writ petition filed by Samarjit Roychowdhury, making it clear that individuals whose status is under challenge must be given an opportunity to be heard before the court proceeds further.

The petition questions a court notification through which 81 advocates were elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate. However, when the matter came up for consideration, the Court noted a critical procedural lapse, the petition had been filed without including any of the designated lawyers as parties. Since the relief sought could directly impact their professional status and recognition, the Court considered their presence in the proceedings essential for proper adjudication of the dispute.

Addressing the defect, Justice Rao permitted the petitioner to amend the writ petition and add the 81 designated lawyers as party respondents. The Court directed that the additional parties be impleaded as respondents beginning from respondent number four onwards and that notices be served upon them. Stressing the need for procedural fairness, the Court effectively indicated that those whose designation is being questioned must be part of the proceedings before the challenge can be examined. The petitioner was also directed to submit an amended petition along with an affidavit confirming service of notice.

The case will now be taken up for further hearing on April 2, 2026.