Today, the Supreme Court of India clarified its directive regarding the reservation of at least one-third of seats for women in the Supreme Court Bar Association's executive committee, emphasizing that this measure is being implemented on a trial basis. The Court further stated that any challenges encountered in implementing this reform will be brought before the Court for consideration.

In its order dated May 2, the Bench of Justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan emphasized that the reservation of at least one-third of seats for women in the Supreme Court Bar Association's upcoming elections on May 16, 2024, is mandatory. The order also stipulated that the election committee, consisting of Senior Advocates Jaideep Gupta, Rana Mukherjee, and Meenakshi Arora, will have final authority in all matters related to the elections. Additionally, it was directed that the position of Treasurer of SCBA in the forthcoming election must be reserved for a female candidate.

Following this directive, the lawyer's body swiftly responded by passing a resolution the very next day, convening an 'Emergent General Meeting' scheduled for May 07. The resolution strongly asserted that there was no justification for the Supreme Court to issue such an order. The meeting, as outlined in the resolution, aims to deliberate on the widespread implications of the suo moto amendment of Bar Association Rules and to determine the subsequent steps to be taken.

Today, the Court emphasized that the previously scheduled 'Emergent General Meeting' stands canceled. Consequently, the meeting that was set to take place tomorrow will no longer be held.

The order was issued subsequent to an oral mention made by the office bearers of the lawyer's body. Senior advocate Pravin H. Parekh, at the outset, highlighted that the purpose of convening the general body was to ascertain the validity of the order.