Supreme Court Reserves SCBA Vice President Post for Women in 2026 Elections

April 27, 2026 : The Supreme Court on Monday directed that the post of Vice President in the 2026 elections of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) be reserved for women advocates, marking another step toward improving gender representation within the body.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice K. V. Viswanathan also ordered that certain positions in the Executive Committee be earmarked for women candidates. The Court instructed the existing SCBA Executive Committee to constitute an Election Committee by May 29.

The Election Committee has been directed to announce the election schedule by July 13, coinciding with the reopening of the Court after the summer vacation. The entire election process must conclude with the declaration of results by August, and the newly elected Executive Committee will assume office on August 7.

The direction came after the SCBA, represented by Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, agreed to the proposal for reservation. The Court noted and appreciated the association’s cooperative approach, observing that it has generally supported measures aimed at institutional reform.

The Bench clarified that the move forms part of a broader, phased effort to enhance the participation of women in the SCBA. It recalled earlier directions reserving the posts of Treasurer and Secretary for women, and pointed out that the association has yet to have a woman President.

In 2024, the Court had mandated that at least one-third of the posts in SCBA Executive Committees be reserved for women, covering both senior and junior bodies.

The Court also noted that similar measures have been introduced in Bar Associations across the country to ensure greater inclusion of women advocates. Recently, it extended such directions to the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (AOR Association), requiring reservation of certain posts for women Advocates-on-Record.