Senior advocate Pradeep Rai, who was elected as the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president, on Wednesday described Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant as a “fatherly figure”. He also assured that the newly elected executive committee would work under CJI Kant’s guidance and said that it will cooperate and support the Bench in every way.
“Your Lordships’ guidance is precious. You are the fatherly figures we can always approach,” Rai told CJI Kant after the latter congratulated him on his election.
Notably, the elections to the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) were held on Tuesday and the results were announced late in the night.
Rai secured 822 votes as opposed to 451 votes secured by the next contender, Senior Advocate Anupam Lal Dass. The other candidates were Senior Advocates Adish Agarwalla (412 votes), Gaurav Bhatia (370), Sukumar Pattjoshi (269), Mahalakshmi Pavani (128) and Siddharth Mridul (217).
Rai’s remarks came in response to the CJI’s comments that the bar and the bench are like a “small family”. “We have always looked after each other; and will continue to maintain that coordinated relationship,” the CJI said, as he congratulated all the office bearers.
CJI Kant further stressed the importance of maintaining a close and coordinated relationship between the judiciary and the Bar. He further hoped that the newly elected SCBA office-bearers would “lead the bar by example” and undertake initiatives aimed at helping young lawyers establish themselves in the profession.
Rai Assures Full Support To Bench
To this, Rai conveyed his support to the bench, saying: “My Lords, this Bar is entirely with your Lordships. We will cooperate 100 per cent and support the bench in every way.”
Rai had earlier served as SCBA vice president and promised to promote welfare measures for advocates ahead of the elections. He succeeds senior advocate Vikas Singh, who was elected as SCBA president in 2025.