In a pivotal move to enhance the governance of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), the Supreme Court has appointed former apex court judge, Justice L Nageswara Rao, to head a committee focused on electoral reforms. Justices Surya Kant and K V Viswanathan, presiding over the bench, announced the appointment, emphasizing Justice Rao’s role in shaping the future electoral framework of the SCBA.
The committee, under Justice Rao’s leadership, is tasked with recommending amendments to the bye-laws governing the elections of the SCBA’s executive committee. The reforms will likely address the eligibility criteria for candidates wishing to contest in these elections, aiming to ensure transparency and fairness in the process.
During the court session on February 24, the bench stated, “Justice L Nageswara Rao has graciously agreed to chair the committee, which will propose norms, guidelines, and parameters for the reformation and suitable amendments in the bye-laws regulating election of the executive committee to the Supreme Court Bar Association.”
In an inclusive approach to reform, the committee will consist of senior and experienced advocates, including both advocates-on-record and non-advocates-on-record, who have not previously shown interest in contesting the elections as office bearers of the SCBA. This diverse composition is intended to bring a broad perspective to the proposed reforms.
The court has provided a two-week window for members of the bar to suggest potential committee members directly to Justice Rao, granting him the discretion to finalize the committee’s composition. The former judge is also at liberty to form his own team if the bar does not provide any nominations.
The panel is further empowered to invite suggestions from members of the bar and other stakeholders, ensuring a collaborative process in reshaping the SCBA’s electoral policies. The matter is set to be heard next on April 7.
This development follows a series of deliberations on leadership roles within the SCBA, with the bench previously considering opinions from senior advocates like former SCBA president Vikas Singh and Kapil Sibal regarding potential chairs for the committee.
Additionally, on May 2, 2024, the Supreme Court mandated a 33% reservation of posts in the SCBA’s executive committee for women, marking a significant step towards gender parity in legal governance.
