The Supreme Court today directed that the post of Vice-President in the upcoming SCBA elections be reserved for women. The direction came amid submissions highlighting the need to improve women’s participation in decision-making roles within the association. Earlier, the Supreme Court had mandated 30% women’s representation in Bar Bodies across the country.

Read at- 30% Women Representation in Bar Bodies: Supreme Court Directs Compliance Across All High Courts https://thebarbulletin.com/30-percent-women-representation-bar-associations-supreme-court/

While there were calls for reservations in higher offices like the President, the Court struck a balance by introducing reservations at the Vice-President level. During the hearing, the bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice KV Vishwanathan has made it clear that while representation is important, it would proceed cautiously.

At the same time, the Court acknowledged the evolving role of women in the profession and the need to create space for leadership opportunities:

“After 2–3 years, then women members will be quite in a position to contest elections for the Presidency also.”

Counsel submitted that several reforms had already been introduced in the Supreme Court Bar Association framework, including provisions such as Rule 18A and a four-year cap, emphasising that any further changes would necessarily require formal amendments to the rules rather than being implemented solely through judicial directions.

On this, the court suggested that such reforms should be carried out through a collaborative and deliberative process within the Bar, with consensus among members.