The Supreme Court has quashed a writ petition challenging the Orissa High Court’s process for designation of Senior Advocates in the High Court, for want of merit.
The order was passed on Friday by the Bench of Chief Justice U.U. Lalit and Justice Ravindra Bhat on a petition, which alleged that the Permanent Committee made by the High Court of Orissa was biased and improperly constituted.
As per the writ petition, some of the designated advocates had a practice of less than 20 years and were awarded higher marks than candidates having 20 years or more of experience, which showed bias and irrational favouring.
The Apex Court observed that the details of all persons, including those who were not recommended by the Permanent Committee for the designation of Senior Advocates, were placed before the full court and the petition was incorrect on that aspect.
It said the Permanent Committee of the High Court, after considering the names of concerned advocates, did not find 40 persons worthy to be recommended for senior advocates.
The Advocate appearing for the Orissa High Court apprised the Apex Court that the names of all persons, including those who were not recommended to be designated, were considered by the full court before the final resolution was adopted, added the two-Judge Bench.
Stating that there was no reason to entertain the writ petition, the top court of the country disposed of the plea.
Case title: Patitapaban Panda vs Orissa High Court & Ors