Supreme Court Proposes Women-Reserved Vice President Post In SCBA From 2027

In Supreme Court Bar Association v. BD Kaushik, the Supreme Court on Friday proposed a key reform in the structure of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) by suggesting the creation of a second Vice-President post exclusively for women members from the 2027-28 term onwards. The Court also confirmed that the post of Secretary would continue to remain reserved for women in the upcoming 2026 SCBA elections.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice KV Vishwanathan was hearing matters related to reforms and election-related issues within the SCBA.

The Bench recorded that members of the Bar and the SCBA had agreed to continue the current arrangement for another year. Under this arrangement, the Secretary’s post in the 2026-27 elections will remain earmarked for women advocates.

At the same time, the Court suggested that the SCBA convene a General Body Meeting to discuss the possibility of introducing an additional Vice-President post. The proposal is that one of the two Vice-President positions should be reserved exclusively for women advocates from 2027 onwards.

The Court had earlier reserved the Vice-President post for women for the 2026 elections. However, that direction was modified after discussions during the hearing, with advocates expressing the view that the Secretary’s role carried greater importance within the association.

Explaining the decision, the CJI said the Court wanted reforms to evolve through consensus rather than through imposition. He observed that the judiciary did not want any member of the Bar to feel dissatisfied with the ongoing reform process.

During the proceedings, the CJI remarked that many High Court Bar Associations already function with two Vice-Presidents. He said such a structure would be suitable for the SCBA as well because of its growing membership strength over the years.

In a lighter moment, the CJI compared the proposal to the current political trend of States appointing two Deputy Chief Ministers. “The President should be assisted by two Vice Presidents. Nowadays, there is a very popular trend of having two Deputy Chief Ministers,” he said.

The Bench clarified that no immediate direction would be enforced and the matter should first be debated within the Bar through wider consultations. The CJI assured members that the Court would consider passing a formal order before his retirement, but only after discussions within the General Body.

The Court also said suggestions regarding an additional Joint Secretary post reserved for women and measures for inclusion of differently abled advocates could also be discussed during the meeting.

Emphasising participatory reforms, the Bench stated that while the Court was attempting to introduce meaningful changes, active involvement and support from the Bar remained equally important.