**Executive Summary**
This document is a statutory notification from the Government of Tamil Nadu, published in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette on January 20, 2021. It announces an amendment to Rule 10 of the Madras High Court Designation of Senior Advocates Rules, 2020, which pertains to the withdrawal of designation by the Court. The amendment, framed by the High Court, is effective from January 6, 2021.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Amendment to Senior Advocate Designation Rules:**
* Rule 10 of the Madras High Court Designation of Senior Advocates Rules, 2020, is amended.
* **Withdrawal of Designation by the Court:**
* The Full Court may review and recall the designation of a Senior Advocate if the Advocate is found guilty of:
* Professional conduct unbecoming of a Senior Advocate.
* Involvement in an alleged offense involving moral turpitude.
* Contempt of court.
* Misconduct by the Bar Council, rendering them unworthy to continue as Senior Advocate.
* The Full Court's decision will comply with the principles of natural justice.
* The decision to recall the designation shall be intimated/notified in the same manner as provided in Rule 8(3) of these Rules.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Senior Advocates**
* **Impact:** Senior Advocates are now subject to a review process that could result in the withdrawal of their designation under specific circumstances. This amendment introduces stricter accountability standards for their professional conduct.
* **Action Required:** Senior Advocates should be aware of the amended rule and ensure they maintain a high standard of professional conduct to avoid the potential withdrawal of their designation.
**Stakeholder: Madras High Court (Full Court)**
* **Impact:** The amendment grants the Full Court the authority to review and withdraw the designation of Senior Advocates under specified conditions, including unbecoming conduct, moral turpitude, contempt of court, or misconduct.
* **Action Required:** The Full Court must establish a fair and transparent process for reviewing cases and making decisions on withdrawing designations, ensuring compliance with the principles of natural justice.
**Stakeholder: Bar Council**
* **Impact:** The Bar Council’s finding of misconduct against a Senior Advocate is now a ground for the Full Court to review and potentially withdraw the Advocate's designation.
* **Action Required:** The Bar Council must effectively communicate any misconduct finding of a Senior Advocate to the High Court.
Key Entities Referenced
Madras High Court Designation of Senior Advocates Rules, 2020: The primary subject of the amendment, specifying the rules related to the designation of Senior Advocates by the Madras High Court.
Advocates Act, 1961: The law providing the legal basis for the amendment to the Senior Advocates Rules.
High Court of Judicature at Madras: The institution responsible for issuing the amendment to the Senior Advocates Rules.
Tamil Nadu Government Gazette: The official publication in which the amendment to the Senior Advocates Rules is published.
Chennai: Location of the High Court of Judicature at Madras, where the amendment was made.