On May 6, the Supreme Court of India ordered that the elections for the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) office bearers will be held on May 20, 2025. The Court clarified that the elections will be conducted based on the voter list finalized for the year 2024, with additional inclusion of members who gained eligibility up to February 28, 2025.
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In a significant step toward promoting gender representation, the post of Secretary for this election has been exclusively reserved for women. Additionally, the Court mandated that one-third of the Executive Committee posts—3 out of 9—will also be reserved for women candidates.
“For this election, we can continue as per past practice. But for future, think why your elections cannot be held on the same day as that of HC, District Courts,”
— Justice Surya Kant
The bench, consisting of Justice Surya Kant and Justice KV Viswanathan, issued these directions during a hearing related to the SCBA elections. The Court also ordered that the report submitted by Justice (Retd.) L. Nageswara Rao—which contains recommendations for reforms in SCBA bye-laws and election norms—be uploaded on the SCBA website.
While the Court made it clear that no legal challenge will be entertained against the report, it allowed members to submit their suggestions regarding the same.
“We have received J Rao's report, giving some recommendations for reforms. We don't want to implement any report mechanically… it's ultimately your matter. We know our limitations,”
— Justice Surya Kant
Justice Surya Kant emphasized that the Court will not force the implementation of Justice Rao’s recommendations without hearing from the Bar, but also warned that the Association cannot be allowed to ignore the report.
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“We will hear you with open mind, but final decision will be ours,”
— Justice Surya Kant to Senior Advocate Dr. Adish Aggarwala
During the hearing, Senior Advocate Shobha Gupta requested that the Secretary position be reserved for women, rotating the reservation from the Treasurer post which was reserved previously. The Court accepted this request. Shobha Gupta was appearing in a plea filed by Advocate Yogamaya MG, represented by AoR Sriram Parakkat.
It may be noted that in 2024, the Supreme Court, for the first time, directed one-third women’s reservation in SCBA posts and also proposed broad reforms in membership rules and election procedures by setting up the Justice Rao Committee.
“We will not allow your general body/Bar to sit over the report,”
— Justice Surya Kant
The directions passed by the apex court mark a major step toward inclusivity and electoral reform in the SCBA, ensuring fair representation and accountability.
Case Title: SUPREME COURT BAR ASSOCIATION v. B.D. KAUSHIK., Diary No. 13992-2023
