Orissa High Court Confers Senior Advocate Designation on 13 Lawyers

On January 15, 2025, the Orissa High Court exercised its authority under Section 16 of the Advocates Act, 1961, in conjunction with Rule 7(1) of the High Court of Orissa (Designation of Senior Advocates) Rules, 2019, to designate 13 advocates as Senior Advocates.

List of Newly Designated Senior Advocates

The advocates who received the senior designation are:

1. Sanjay Kumar Acharya

2. Anup Kumar Bose

3. Bansidhar Baug

4. Bibekananda Bhuyan

5. Bhabani Sankar Tripathy

6. Susanta Kumar Dash

7. Kamal Behari Panda

8. Amitav Das

9. Dayananda Mohapatra

10. Gopal Kumar Agarwal

11. Bigyan Kumar Sharma

12. Bibhu Prasad Tripathy

13. Aditya Narayan Dash

Significance of Senior Advocate Designation

The designation of 'Senior Advocate' is a prestigious honor in the Indian legal system, recognizing advocates who have demonstrated exceptional legal acumen, integrity, and contributions to the legal profession. This status not only acknowledges their expertise but also entrusts them with greater responsibilities in upholding the rule of law and mentoring junior members of the bar.

Background of the Designation Process

The process of designating Senior Advocates is governed by the High Court of Orissa (Designation of Senior Advocates) Rules, 2019. These rules outline the criteria and procedures for selection, ensuring that the designation is conferred upon advocates who meet the highest standards of professional excellence and ethical conduct.

Notable Inclusion: Advocate Bansidhar Baug

Among the newly designated Senior Advocates is Advocate Bansidhar Baug, who had previously challenged the withholding of his candidature by the Permanent Committee responsible for such designations. In September 2024, the Orissa High Court ruled in his favor, stating that the Permanent Committee lacked the jurisdiction to withhold or defer his candidature without presenting his name to the Full Court for consideration.

Implications for the Legal Community

The addition of these 13 Senior Advocates is expected to enrich the legal community in Odisha, bringing diverse expertise and experience to the forefront. Their elevation serves as an inspiration for other advocates, highlighting the importance of dedication, professionalism, and adherence to ethical standards in the practice of law.

Conclusion

The Orissa High Court's decision to designate these 13 advocates as Senior Advocates underscores its commitment to recognizing and promoting legal excellence within its jurisdiction. This move is anticipated to strengthen the administration of justice and contribute positively to the legal fraternity in the region.

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