Supreme Court Refuses to Entertain Plea Seeking Reservation for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Advocates in Bar Councils
W.P.(C) No. 6 of 2026 — Universal Dr. Ambedkar Advocates Association v. Union of India
The Supreme Court today declined to direct reservation for SC/ST advocates in elections to State Bar Councils and the Bar Council of India, holding that such reservation can be introduced only by a statutory amendment.
The Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant observed that, since the matter is under consideration by the competent authorities, no mandamus can be issued in the absence of an express legal provision.
The Court was hearing a writ petition filed by the Universal Dr. Ambedkar Advocates Association seeking a declaration that the expression “proportional representation” under Section 3(2)(b) of the Advocates Act, 1961 encompasses representation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other marginalized communities in State Bar Councils and the Bar Council of India.
Prayer was also made for a clarification that the Bar Council could consider extending the remedies granted in Pankaj Sinha, including co-option and reduction in registration fees, to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe advocates.
the Supreme Court declined to grant the request, observing that Bar Council elections in several States were already underway and it was too late to intervene. He added that if appropriate statutory amendments are not made, the petitioner would be at liberty to approach the Court at a later stage.
