The Supreme Court has sought suggestions from the Delhi High Court Bar Association and district bar associations on the possibility of holding elections to all bar associations in Delhi on a single date to facilitate the implementation of the “one bar, one vote” principle. The matter was heard by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice KV Vishwanathan.
The Court asked representatives of the bar associations, including SCBA President Pradee Rai and DHCBA President N Hariharan, to consult their respective members and place their views before it. The proposal aims to address multiple voting across different bar associations and streamline the election process.
“
“The other issue which you can discuss with the election committee and with all of your members or any. We don’t mind wherever you want to discuss. Why not the election in entire Delhi, Districts Bar, High Court and Supreme Court be held on one date in December. Because the other elections are being held in December. If you hold election on one date then you can avoid multiplicity of votes and all these problems will be solved. One bar, one vote will be applicable. The other issue which you can discuss with the election committee and with all of your members or any. One bar, one vote may not technically be there. But suppose somebody is a member of the Tis Hazari. He is also a member of Supreme Court Bar. He says instead of Tis Hazari District Bar I would like to prefer to cast my vote in the Supreme Court. Let him come here. But not there. There can be one date notified for every election in advance. It should be like a calendar fixed and election held on that day.”
The Court indicated that a common election calendar could be considered, with the associations deciding a suitable date in consultation with one another. It asked representatives of the district bar associations to remain present at the next hearing so their views could also be considered before any decision is taken.
The Court also asked the Supreme Court Bar Association’s Election Committee to submit a status report, in consultation with its Executive Committee, on the implementation of reforms recommended under its May 29, 2026 order.
On eligibility criteria for voting, including advocates’ appearances before the Supreme Court, proximity-card entries and the participation of veteran members, one of the counsel pointed out that although the SCBA has approximately 28,000–33,000 members, only around 3,500 participated in the latest election.
The Court sought data on how the proposed reforms could affect the electorate, cautioning against changes that could adversely affect democratic participation. It observed, “Lesser the vote, frankly speaking, chances of hijacking the election are much more.”
The Court also invited views on whether there should be a cap on the number of terms an advocate may hold office in bar associations. While the SCBA Presindent stated that existing limits were already in place, the Court asked them to place on record their views and present situation on the issue before it.