Today, On 28th January, The Supreme Court directed that the Advocates Association Bengaluru (AAB) conduct its elections within three weeks. Previously, the Court had instructed the AAB to reserve the position of Treasurer in its governing body for female candidates.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court directed that elections for the Advocates Association, Bengaluru (AAB) be held and completed within three weeks.
This decision follows the cancellation of the AAB elections, originally scheduled for February 2, after the Supreme Court mandated that the position of Treasurer in its governing body be reserved exclusively for women candidates.
Continuing from the previous order, a Bench of Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh stated that male candidates who had submitted nominations for the Treasurer position would be allowed one opportunity to switch their nominations to other posts.
The Court also instructed that nominations for the newly created positions for women candidates be invited within one week.
Additionally, the Court ordered the creation of a Vice-President position within the AAB.
The Court stated,
“High Powered Committee and Chief Returning Officer shall conduct the elections accordingly in compliance with increased numbers of office bearers and governing council,”
This ruling came during the hearing of appeals against the Karnataka High Court’s decision to dismiss petitions seeking reservation for women lawyers in the AAB. On January 8, the High Court had rejected a series of petitions asking for 33 percent reservation for women advocates in the AAB’s governing body, advising the petitioners to approach the Supreme Court since it lacked the authority to grant such reservations under the current AAB by-laws.
The Advocates Association Bengaluru (AAB) is a prominent professional organization for lawyers in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It serves as a platform for advocates to voice their concerns, enhance their professional development, and address legal issues impacting their practice.
The AAB is involved in various initiatives, including organizing educational events, providing support to its members, and engaging in activities that promote justice and legal reforms.
Recently, the Supreme Court intervened in its internal governance, directing the AAB to reserve the position of Treasurer for women candidates in an effort to promote gender equality within the association.