In a significant development, the Supreme Court has taken a proactive stance in addressing concerns related to the functioning of Bar Associations across the country. 

The case, titled "In Re: Strengthening of the Institution of Bar Associations," has been brought before the Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Dipankar Datta and is scheduled for hearing on April 8.

The impetus for this judicial intervention stems from a specific incident within the Madras Bar Association (MBA), where a lawyer was allegedly denied access to water within the association's premises by another member, citing non-membership as the reason. 

This incident laid bare broader issues of discrimination and elitism within the MBA, prompting the need for a comprehensive examination of the functioning of Bar Associations on a national level.

During the hearing on March 4, Senior Counsels Mr. Shekhar Naphade and Mr. A. Sirajuddin, representing various parties including Mr. Elephant G. Rajendran, expressed their intention to withdraw allegations against Senior Advocate Mr. P.H. Pandian (deceased) and the Madras Bar Association. Instead, they redirected the focus towards seeking uniform guidelines to strengthen Bar Associations across the country.

Senior Advocate Shekhar Naphade emphasized the importance of establishing consistent guidelines to enhance the status and streamline the overall functioning of Bar Associations nationwide. 

In response to this plea, the Bench issued a notice for the limited purpose of formulating broad guidelines that can be followed to strengthen and enhance the status of Bar Associations throughout the country. The hearing for this matter is scheduled for April 8, 2024.

Case: A. Mohandoss v. The Registrar General & Ors,

Petition(s) for Special Leave to Appeal (C) No(s).3950/2024.

Click to read/download order.