Only 3 lawyers from Delhi High Court elevated as judge in last 17 months: DHCBA President N Hariharan tells CJI Surya Kant

The Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) president, N Hariharan, said on Thursday that in the last 17 months, only three lawyers of the DHCBA have been elevated as judges. 

In the presence of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, Hariharan said that the prevailing perception has become that the elevation from the bar is now an exception, not a norm. 

“Despite nearly 47,000 advocates practising before this court, only 3 members of this huge bar have been elevated as judges since August 2024. While we welcome these appointments, the prevailing perception remains that the elevation from bar has become an exception rather than a norm,” he said. 

The Bar president further stressed that he is not questioning the individual appointment but appealing for balance and fairness. 

“We understand that the power of appointing judges lies with the collegium and with constitutional authorities. Our intention is not to question individual appointments, but our appeal is for balance and fairness,” he said. 

He added that the High Court was also facing infrastructural issues, leading to pendency in the court. 

Hariharan was speaking at the felicitation ceremony organised by the DHCBA for CJI Surya Kant. 

In his address, the CJI acknowledged the arguments raised by Hariharan and added that “the system in due course of time will effectively address those issues”. 

Justice Surya Kant also highlighted legal contributions made by the DHCBA and its lawyers historically. 

“Delhi High Court Bar Association has historically shaped its role as that of a legitimate and reliable institutional interlocutor. During moments of constitutional stress, it has demonstrated courage and clarity. The Association’s response during difficult times like the supersession of Justice HR Khanna, where Shri Pran Nath Lekhi was elected as its President while imprisoned, remains a compelling reminder that professional bodies can, and must, act as guardians of the constitutional conscience,” he said.