In a significant move toward gender parity within the legal fraternity, the Supreme Court of India on Monday directed that the post of Vice-President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) shall be reserved for women candidates in the upcoming 2025-2026 Executive Committee elections.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice K.V. Viswanathan presided over the matter, which pertains to ongoing reforms in the SCBA electoral process. The court noted that the Bar Association has “graciously accepted” the suggestion to earmark the Vice-President’s office for women members in the ensuing polls.
The latest directive is part of a series of measures introduced by the apex court to ensure adequate representation of women in the bar body’s leadership. The court’s intervention has followed a structured timeline of reservations for key administrative positions:
- 2024-2025 Election: The post of Treasurer was reserved exclusively for women.
- 2025-2026 Election: In May 2025, the court previously directed that the Secretary’s post be reserved for a woman candidate.
- Latest Directive: The Vice-President’s post is now added to the earmarked category for the upcoming cycle.
Beyond these specific officer-bearer roles, the court had previously established a mandatory “one-third” formula for the broader Executive Committee. This requires at least three out of nine executive committee seats and two out of six senior executive member positions to be held by women lawyers.
To ensure a smooth transition and timely conduct of the polls, the bench has laid down a strict procedural roadmap. The SCBA has been directed to notify the Election Committee by May 29.
Following its formation, the Election Committee is tasked with announcing the formal poll schedule on July 13. This structured timeline aims to bring stability to the reform process, which has already seen its “one-third reservation formula” being adopted by various other bar bodies across the country.
The court continues to monitor the implementation of these reforms to foster a more inclusive environment within the highest levels of the legal profession.
