Friends and Colleagues at the Bar,

The greatest penalty a person has to pay is to be governed by inferiors if he does not govern himself. The same is true for an institution more so when we relate it to the Supreme Court and Supreme Court Bar Association. SCBA has been just another Bar of a Court for we never had a structured game plan. It is time we take the reins as leader of the Bar and make SCBA the leading Bar Association of all the Bar Associations in the country and that is what I stand for, making SCBA the national voice of the legal profession in India.

I stand for a collective possible vision, a focused practical action plan and to lead the team to make it all possible. We are passing through yet another critical phase of transition and these periods lead to restructuring and repositioning. Globalization, issues relating to fiscal cliff and advancement of technology have their impact on the legal profession.

It is time to make full use of the potentials arising out of Technological Advancement. In 1985 Electronic Display Devices were installed in Supreme Court now we have live telecast of Court No. Item No., Cause Lists and Orders and Judgments. But the best is yet to come.

SCBA should take lead in formation of ‘Statement of Laws’, publishing SCBA Law Journal, making data of pending Constitutional and legal issues before Supreme Court available to the members, open opportunity to edit head notes of Supreme Court Reports, periodically holding conferences and seminars particularly associating younger members of the Bar. Holding Inter Bar Sports Meet, Bar Cultural get together are the need of the time. SCBA should award prizes on Law Day for highest filing, highest appearance in admission and final hearing matters, best drafting, best arguments and may be best judgment and much more like holding Legal Olympiad. Friends, all this is possible by associating all the members of the Bar and those who genuinely feel strongly for the dignity of the great institution.

Dignity and economy of the legal profession is the fundamental issue for every member of the Bar Association.  Every member of the Bar at one time or another gets opportunity to appear for Center and State Governments, PSUs and hold to Legal Aid and Amicus Curie briefs but the fees paid has not increased in proportion to the cost index since 1950. Most State Governments pay according to Supreme Court Rules. While designated senior members have moved from Rs. 1040/ 1680 to Rs. 1,10,000 / 2,20,000. For State AORs, SLP appearance is still Rs. 800 and Final Hearing Rs. 2400. Amicus Curie is Rs. 250, this is really painful and needs to be amended forthwith and will certainly have a percolating effect till the Trial Courts. Development of younger generation of lawyers is one of my prime objectives. More chambers, modern library facilities, E-research libraries and cabin for lawyers till they can be allotted proper chambers in the new building coming up next to Pragati Maidan.

There are about 180 vacancies in the total strength of 780 High Court Judges. SCBA in close co-ordination of HCBA should device a methodology to recommend a panel for these appointments. Friends, Advocates who have practiced in Supreme Court have made and continue to make their mark in that office and needs to be fully supported by the SCBA. Exposure in Supreme Court has a meaningful impact on the perception of judges and that makes all the difference in imparting Justice for all. The role played by advocate on record in the working of Supreme Court is to be applauded.

One Bar One Vote has now been successfully implemented in SCBA and each Bar Association looks forward to SCBA to get it implemented across the country 21 High Courts 35 Bar Associations including benches. SCBA will certainly play a leading role in making it possible. Many of you who genuinely practice in Supreme Court and have been left out from voters list this time is a matter of concern to me.

I have faith that with support of my friends and colleagues we will be able to bring the necessary change by repositioning ourselves and take the lead role in making SCBA the apex Bar in the country.

I have faith that all the members will join in this endeavor.

I have faith that the relationship between the Bench and the Bar will reach new levels of purposeful relationship.

I have faith that we will be able to bring the change for which the coming generations of Bar Members will feel proud.

I have faith that we will not have to pay the penalty of being misled by people with vested interests.

My dear colleagues I can promise you nothing IF I CANNOT PROMISE YOU THREE FUNDAMENTAL THINGS:

(a) Transparency;

(b) Accessibility; and

(c) Protection of your interest without fear or favour.

 AND THESE ARE THE 3 THINGS that I un-hesitatingly promise you all.  And THESE 3 things shall “be and remain” the Bench mark of my tenure as YOUR President.

Also I neither indulge in, nor encourage Sycophancy and flattery and THESE TOO SHALL REMAIN SINGULARLY MISSING in my approach and in implementation of my policies and programs.

Let us all take the leap of faith together and make the existence and presence of SCBA felt, make the necessary impact where needed and jointly reach to a higher level of happiness quotient.

Thank You