Senior Advocate Dr. Adish C. Aggarwala has filed an application in the Supreme Court challenging the 2025 election results of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA). Dr. Aggarwala, who contested for the post of SCBA President, alleged serious irregularities in the voting process and sought judicial review of the results.
On May 23, the matter was brought up before a bench led by Justice Surya Kant. During the brief hearing, Dr. Aggarwala stated that approximately 200 votes were illegally polled.
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"Wait for special bench…find out when J Viswanathan is sitting, I will sit in that week. There is no question of listing today. Heavens won't fall,"
– Justice Surya Kant
Justice Kant made it clear that the issue would be handled only by a special bench comprising himself and Justice KV Viswanathan, which has been overseeing matters related to SCBA elections.
Senior Advocate Vikas Singh was declared elected as the President of SCBA in the results announced on May 20. This marks Singh’s fourth term as President. However, Dr. Aggarwala claims the election was not conducted fairly.
"If we are satisfied, we will set aside the election. File an application, give to other side. Supported by affidavit,"
– Justice Surya Kant
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In the application submitted to the court, Dr. Aggarwala raised multiple concerns:
- He alleged that the SCBA Election Commissioner, Senior Advocate Mahalakshmi Pavani, campaigned in support of Vikas Singh, which violates the norms of impartiality.
- He claimed that the total number of votes cast was higher than both the number of slips issued and the number of ballot papers distributed by election officers.
- He pointed out procedural discrepancies and alleged fraud in the entire election process.
- He further claimed that Vikas Singh continued campaigning by sending emails beyond the allowed campaign period.
Dr. Aggarwala, who served as SCBA President for the 2023–2024 term, secured 683 votes, while Vikas Singh received 1,047 votes.
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“A person who is not entitled to be President has been elected,”
– Dr. Adish Aggarwala
The Supreme Court has not listed the matter immediately but indicated that it will be heard soon by the designated special bench.
The outcome of this challenge could potentially impact the credibility and conduct of internal elections within one of India’s most prestigious legal bodies.
