SC Pushes for Greater Representation of Specially Abled Lawyers in Bar Councils
The Supreme Court has asked the Bar Council of India (BCI) to take steps to ensure better representation of lawyers with disabilities in Bar Councils in the future. The Court also welcomed the BCI’s decision to significantly reduce the nomination fee for such lawyers contesting Bar Council elections.
A Bench led by Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was hearing a petition that sought 5% reservation for specially abled lawyers in ongoing State Bar Council elections. Since elections have already started in many States, the Court did not issue directions on reservation for the current polls.
However, the Court strongly encouraged the BCI to begin the process of making legal amendments so that lawyers with disabilities get adequate representation in future elections and decision-making bodies.
During the hearing, BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra informed the Court that while reservation in the main Bar Council body is not currently possible, steps can be taken to include specially abled lawyers in various committees attached to the Council. The Court emphasised that their presence must be meaningful and reflected in decision-making.
The Supreme Court also addressed the issue of the high nomination fee for Bar Council elections. Senior Advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for the petitioner, argued that lawyers with disabilities should not be burdened with heavy nomination fees.
After discussions, the BCI agreed to reduce the nomination fee for specially abled lawyers to ₹15,000, instead of the usual ₹1.2–1.25 lakh charged from other candidates. The Court accepted this proposal and recorded it in its order, clarifying that this concession will apply only to lawyers with disabilities and not to other contestants.
The Supreme Court concluded by stating that the BCI must take up the cause of effective representation of specially abled advocates and initiate statutory changes wherever required, so that inclusivity becomes a reality in the legal profession.
