Senior Advocate Dr. Adish C. Aggarwala, former President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), has approached the Supreme Court seeking to challenge the results of the 2025 SCBA elections, citing serious electoral irregularities.
Mentioning the matter before a Bench led by Justice Surya Kant, Aggarwala alleged that approximately 200 votes had been illegally cast. He also claimed that a candidate “not entitled to be President” was declared the winner.
Responding to the urgent mention, Justice Surya Kant noted that the matter could only be considered by a Special Bench comprising himself and Justice KV Viswanathan, which has been monitoring SCBA election-related matters.
“Wait for the special bench. Find out when Justice Viswanathan is sitting; I will sit that week. There is no question of listing today. Heavens won’t fall,” Justice Kant remarked.
The SCBA election results were announced on May 20, with Senior Advocate Vikas Singh elected as President for a fourth term, securing 1,047 votes. Dr. Aggarwala, who served as SCBA President during the 2023–2024 term, received 683 votes.
In his application, Dr. Aggarwala alleged several procedural discrepancies and instances of misconduct. He claimed that:
- The number of votes polled exceeded the number of voting slips and ballot papers issued by election officers;
- The election commissioner, Senior Advocate Mahalakshmi Pavani, actively campaigned for Vikas Singh;
- Campaigning continued beyond the prescribed deadline, with Vikas Singh allegedly sending out emails outside the permitted window.
Justice Kant indicated that the Court would consider the application on its merits, stating, “If we are satisfied, we will set aside the election. File an application, give it to the other side—supported by affidavit.”
The case is likely to be listed once Justice Viswanathan is available to convene the Special Bench. The outcome could have significant implications for the SCBA’s electoral process and internal governance.
