In a first ever, The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) elections on 27th February 2021 will be held via a Hybrid System. The members who wish to vote using the physical method were asked to submit in writing their inclination to choose the physical mode. The rest will be deemed to automatically have chosen the online method for voting. This will be the first time that the option of voting via Online method will be made available for a bar association election.
The conduct of physical voting, however, will be subject to the advice of the Health Advisory Committee constituted by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India. The Committee has assured of an “expeditious consideration” for the conduct of voting in the proposed hybrid manner.
The nominations promise great representation from the cream of the Bar including Mr. Ajay Mandal, Mr. Kailash Vasudev, Mr. Vikas Singh, Mr. Ashok Arora, Dr. Adish C. Aggarwala and Ms. Priya Hingorani.
Ms. Priya Hingorani was the first woman and the youngest member to be elected as Hony. Secretary way back in 1999 and the youngest member and second woman to be elected as Vice President in 2005. She worked selflessly on infrastructure developments, vehemently raising core issues of the Bar. She is one of the 17 women lawyers to be designated as Senior Advocate by the Supreme Court India.
Mr. Ashok Arora, former Secretary SCBA is now contending for the post of President. Mr. Vikas Singh, who has served as President SCBA and is contesting for the post once again. He has been at the forefront of urging for the resumption of physical hearings and recently wrote to the CJI seeking opening up of courts for physical functioning.
Mr. Pradeep Rai, Mr. S.B.Upadhyay, Mr. D.D.Sharma, Mr. Shyam Sundar Gupta and Col. R. Balasubramanian are standing for the post of Vice President. Mr. Vikrant Yadav, Mr. Amit Tiwari, Mr. Ardhendumauli Prasad, Mr. Harpreet Singh Sandhu and Mr. S.S. Nehra are standing for the post of President.
Mr. Vikas Pahwa, Sr. Advocate is contesting for the post of Senior Member Executive. He vociferously speaks for young lawyers. He believes they must have easy access to the chambers of seniors and facilities like libraries and e-portals. He firmly believes that resources must be handy to young lawyers for their personal and as well as professional growth.
The last date to opt for voting via physical mode was on 22nd February, 2021. The debates of the candidates for the post of President and Secretary will be held via the Virtual Mode on 25th February 2021.
Wishing good luck to all the candidates and looking forward to a historic election!
