In a groundbreaking verdict, the Supreme Court issued a directive on Thursday, ushering in a new era of inclusivity within the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA). Effective immediately, a minimum of one-third of all SCBA posts must be reserved for women, starting with the upcoming 2024-2025 elections.
Under the keen observation of Justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan, the court decreed that the position of Treasurer in the SCBA’s forthcoming elections must be exclusively designated for a female candidate. This mandate, however, does not preclude eligible women from contesting other posts within the association.
Moreover, the Court prescribed a rotational system, ensuring that one office bearer position in the SCBA is reserved exclusively for women during each election cycle. This pioneering move towards gender parity commences with the Treasurer’s role in the upcoming 2024-25 term.
Furthermore, the Court stipulated that a minimum of one-third of positions in both the junior and senior executive committees of the SCBA must be occupied by women members. This measure aims to dismantle systemic barriers and foster a more representative leadership within the legal fraternity.
In a bid to ensure transparency and adherence to democratic principles, the Court scheduled the elections for the 2024-25 term on May 16, 2024. Vote counting will commence on May 18, with results expected to be announced the following day, May 19. The current committee’s term expires on May 18, 2024.
To oversee the electoral process, the Court appointed a distinguished panel comprising Senior Advocates Jaideep Gupta, Rana Mukherjee, and Meenakshi Arora. Additionally, all members eligible for inclusion in the voters’ list between March 1, 2023, and February 29, 2024, will be entitled to participate in the upcoming elections.
Recognizing the imperative for ongoing reform, the Court underscored the necessity for dynamic adjustments to SCBA norms and eligibility criteria. Despite recent failed resolutions seeking reform, the Court emphasized the importance of timely adaptation to changing circumstances. Consequently, the SCBA’s executive committee is mandated to solicit suggestions from all members, inviting input through public notices on its website. All submissions must be compiled and presented to the Court by July 19, 2024, in either digital or print format.
In the case of Supreme Court Bar Association v. BD Kaushik (Diary No. 13992 of 2023), the Court’s ruling stands as a beacon of progress, signaling a resolute commitment to gender inclusivity and institutional evolution within the legal fraternity.
