Reconsideration Of Two Indira Jaising Judgments Concerning Senior Designation System: SC To Hear Matter on March 19

In a recent development related to the issue of reconsideration of the two decisions in the Indira Jaising judgments (2017 and 2023), governing the senior designation system, the Supreme Court (SC) of India today (February 25, 2025), said that it will hear the matter on March 19, 2025. While dealing with a case in which a two-judge bench flagged concerns about the senior designation procedure laid down by two judgments in the Indira Jaising cases, the SC bench of Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, Justice Abhay Oka, and Justice SVN Bhatti issued notice to all High Courts and other stakeholders. The SC order reads, “We direct the Registrar (Judicial) to forward a copy of this order along with the copy of the order in Jitender Kalla case to Registrar Generals of all the High Courts informing them that the date is fixed on 19th March and the High Courts are free to submit their responses and suggestions, if any, well in advance on or before 7th March. If any other party to the Indira Jaising case wants to file a response in writing, it shall be on or before 6th of March.” During the proceedings, the bench also opined, “At this stage, we may also note her contention that if Indira Jaising I and Indira Jaising II are to be reconsidered, it has to be by a larger bench of larger strength. However, it will be open for her to canvass the issue.”