Women candidates seek recall of Supreme Court order on Bar Council co-option

Two women candidates who secured the sixth and seventh positions in recent Bar Council elections have petitioned the Chief Justice of India to recall a Supreme Court order regarding the co-option mechanism for women's representation.

The candidates argue that the mechanism for filling the remaining 10% of women's representation through co-option was determined without providing directly affected candidates a meaningful opportunity to be heard. They contend that their electoral positions are central to establishing a fair and objective process.

The Supreme Court had previously directed that women's representation in Bar Councils be ensured, tasking a High-Powered Supervisory Committee with determining the co-option mechanism. The Committee submitted its recommendations to the Court in a sealed cover on August 4, 2026.