Kathmandu, Oct. 2 -- The Supreme Court is preparing to overhaul the way it awards the title of senior advocate, with a new special committee tasked with developing clearer criteria based on lawyers' professional performance and contribution.

The move follows years of criticism over the way the prestigious title has been awarded. The full court has formed a three-justice committee to review the existing criteria, study past appointments and prepare a new roster of lawyers eligible for the title.

The committee is led by Justice Saranga Subedi, with Justices Nripadhwaj Niraula and Meghraj Pokharel as members. Chief Registrar Bimal Poudel is the member-secretary.

Subedi said the title is meant to be an honour bestowed by the country's high...