SC Pushes for Gender Balance, Orders Reservation for Women in SCBA Executive Committee

In a significant move aimed at enhancing the representation of women at the Bar, the Supreme Court has directed that certain positions within the executive committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) be allocated for women members.

‘Premier Institution’

A bench comprising justices Surya Kant and KV Vishwanathan expressed the opinion that the SCBA is a premier institution and an integral part of the highest judicial forum in the country.

“The norms, eligibility conditions, membership, membership fee structure, etc., cannot remain static for decades. Timely reforms to address the challenges that may arise are necessary,” they stated.

Equality

The bench mandated that there be a reservation for women members of the Bar.

“A minimum of one-third of seats in the executive committee, i.e., three out of nine; a minimum of one-third of senior executive members, i.e., two out of six; and at least one office bearer position shall be exclusively reserved for women candidates on a rotational basis,” they directed.

Furthermore, the bench stipulated that in the upcoming 2024-2025 SCBA polls, the position of treasurer of the executive committee be reserved for women.

The SCBA elections are scheduled for May 16, with vote counting on May 18 and the results announced on May 19, 2024.

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