The Supreme Court directed the Bar Council of India to act on ensuring “30% reservation for women” in State Bar Council polls. CJI Surya Kant called it a “continuous mandamus” and asked the BCI to issue a notification by Monday.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday heard a petition asking for 30% reservation for women in elections to all State Bar Councils. During the hearing, Senior Advocate Gurukumar told the Court that changes in the rules may be required and added that some States have already started their election process.
He said that the Bar Council of India (BCI) will look into the available options.
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Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said the Court expects the BCI to read and apply its existing rules in a way that ensures 30% reservation for women, including reservation in some important office-bearer posts.
The CJI stressed that the Court wants the BCI to take meaningful steps and not delay action.
While discussing the participation of women in legal bodies, the CJI shared that 83% of women expressed interest in SCBA membership. He highlighted this as a strong sign that women lawyers want larger representation within bar bodies.
Calling the process a “continuous mandamus”, CJI Surya Kant told the BCI to act promptly and issue a proper notification on the matter by Monday.
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The Court indicated that this is an ongoing direction to make sure reservation for women becomes part of the Bar Council election system.
Senior Advocate Gurukumar repeated that the BCI would examine all possibilities and inform the Court.
The CJI again emphasised that the expectation is clear and the BCI should treat this seriously and follow the timeline. The Supreme Court will take up the matter again after the BCI files its update.
Case Title:
Case Title: Yogamaya MG v. Union of India & Ors.
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