With regard to the ensuing elections of the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association, the Supreme Court today recorded in its order that the posts of Secretary and Joint Treasurer, as well as two Executive Members posts, may be earmarked for women AoRs.A bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi passed the order, while invoking its power under Article 142, in a plea...
With regard to the ensuing elections of the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association, the Supreme Court today recorded in its order that the posts of Secretary and Joint Treasurer, as well as two Executive Members posts, may be earmarked for women AoRs.
A bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi passed the order, while invoking its power under Article 142, in a plea seeking adequate representation of women AoRs in the SCAORA Executive Committee.
During the hearing, both sides agreed to the Court's suggestion to earmark the abovementioned posts for women AoRs. The CJI, on his part, noted that the Bar has had a good experience with the election of AoR Pragya Baghel as Secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association.
The order was dictated thus:
"Issue pertains to ensuring adequate representation to women AoRs in the composition of Executive Committee of SCAORA. Both sides, graciously and fairly, on our suggestions agreed that in ensuing elections, Secretary and Joint Treasurer and 2 EC member posts may be earmarked for representation of women AoRs. Invoking Art.142 power, we order accordingly."
In 2024, the Supreme Court had directed the reservation of 1/3rd posts for women in the Supreme Court Bar Association. Later, the Court extended 1/3rd women's representation to various other Bar Associations as well as State Bar Councils.
This Writ Petition was filed by Vivya Nagpal, an active Advocate-on-Record practicing before the Supreme Court.
Recognising the historical and systemic lack of female representation in SCAORA's Office Bearer positions, Ms. Nagpal took a definitive stand to challenge the unamended election bye-laws. Through her petition under Article 32 of the Constitution, Vivya Nagpal sought to enforce the fundamental rights of women AORs under Articles 14, 15, and 21, specifically praying for a mandatory minimum of 33% (one-third) reservation for women members in the Office Bearers and Member Executives of SCAORA. Her decisive legal action has now successfully dismantled barriers to institutional leadership, ensuring that women have a guaranteed and rightful place at the highest levels of the association's decision-making body.
Appearing Counsel: Mr. Gaurav Agarwal, Sr. Adv.
Drafted and Filed by: AOR Ekansh Bansal. Assisting Counsel: Syed Sarfaraz Karim, Akshata Sharma, Osheen Jain, and Priyanshu Kumar.
Case Title: VIVYA NAGPAL Versus SUPREME COURT ADVOCATES-ON-RECORD ASSOCIATION AND ORS., W.P.(C) No. 466/2026