Senior Advocate ADN Rao has passed away.

Rao had over three decades of experience at the Bar and was designated as a Senior Advocate by the Supreme Court in 2021.

He was widely regarded for his expertise in civil, constitutional, and environmental law.

A central figure in the Supreme Court’s "Green Bench," Rao was most notably recognized for his service as Amicus Curiae in the MC Mehta case.

Notably, Rao's obituary was issued days after the Supreme Court said that it is planning to give a formal closure to the MC Mehta cases, which have been shown as pending before the apex court since 1984-85.

In an announcement, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) said,

"With profound grief and sorrow, we inform members of the sad demise of Shri ADN Rao, Sr. Adv., father of Annam Venkatesh, A.O.R. Cremation will be held on 25.02.2026 at 4:30 PM at Lodhi Road Crematorium, New Delhi."  

Rao's son, Annam Venkatesh, is an advocate-on-record practising before the Supreme Court.