SUPREME COURT BAR ASSOCIATION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The Supreme Court recently mandated that at least one-third of positions on the executive committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) be allocated for women.

Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA)

• Legal Status: Registered under the "Societies Registration Act-XXI of 1860".
• Objectives:

o To promote union and cooperation among the advocates practicing in the court and other association and advocates; 

o To promote and maintain high standards of profession among members of the Bar. 

o To watch the state of law, progress of legislation and administration of justice and to take such steps as may be necessary for their progress and reform; 

o To express opinion on proposed legislation and other matters of interest and to make representation in respect thereof; 

o To take necessary steps to prevent and remedy any abuse of law or mal-administration of justice; 

o To promote the welfare of the members of the association.

• Membership: Subject to the provisions of Rules, every Advocate entitled to practice law, shall be eligible for Membership to the Association.

o An applicant found suitable for membership is initially granted temporary membership for two years.

o Upon completion of the temporary membership period, eligible temporary members may apply for regular membership.

• Executive Committee: It is responsible for managing the association's affairs. The composition of the Executive Committee includes the following positions:

o President, Vice-President, Secretary and 15 Members, of whom at least 6 must hold the designation of Senior Advocates.

• Landmark Period: 1970-1980: Notably, during this era, the Association witnessed significant legal developments, including the pivotal Keshavananda Bharati case, which established limitations on Parliament's power to amend the Constitution.