A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant heard a petition today (Tuesday, January 27th) seeking reservation for SC/ST lawyers in State Bar Councils across the country. In the case of Ram Kumar Gautam vs. Union of India, the petitioner's lawyer argued before the CJI that if reservations can be granted to women lawyers in Bar Councils, why not to the SC/ST community? He also argued that even when the law was silent on this matter, reservations were granted to women lawyers in Bar Councils, so our petition should also be considered.

To this, CJI Surya Kant said, "You are everywhere. You are in the judiciary, among lawyers, and even in Parliament... And when the Bar Council has existed since 1961, why haven't you done anything or raised such a demand since then? Just because the Supreme Court has done something for women, you have woken up now! You just want everything served on a platter!" The CJI further said, "Women started a fight in our court for the last two years. Ultimately, they succeeded. We also used the term women's representation, not reservation. You should also contact the authorities and then come here."

Petition filed after the election announcement

The bench comprising CJI Surya Kant, Justice R. Mahadevan, and Justice Joymalya Bagchi noted that the petition was filed after the State Bar Council elections were announced, and noting that it was too late to seek such reservations for the ongoing elections, the apex court declined to hear the petition.

"You thought we'd make a claim and get it"

Rebuking the petitioner, the Chief Justice further said, "We haven't given reservations for women... it's just representation... You've come to the court when the elections have already been announced. You probably thought you'd make a claim and get what was given to women members. You can approach us for the next election." The CJI also said, "Refer to our previous order and representation and show it to the authorities. I'm sure they'll consider it, given how many members there are now... but if you don't get a response... then we'll take a decision."

The SC had directed 30% representation for women

According to Bar & Bench, CJI Surya Kant also said that the petitioner is free to approach the competent authority. We hope the appropriate competent authority will consider it and take a decision. We hope the representation will attract the authorities' attention. It should be noted that in December 2025, the Supreme Court directed 30 percent representation for women lawyers on State Bar Councils, stating that this condition was "non-negotiable" and that any shortfall should be met through co-option. The Court also supported measures to increase the participation of lawyers with disabilities in Bar Council elections, following which the Bar Council of India agreed to reduce the nomination fee for such candidates.