CJI Surya Kant congratulates newly elected SC Bar Association president Pradeep Rai, other office bearers

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Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Wednesday (August 19, 2026) congratulated Senior Advocate Pradeep Rai on his election as the Supreme Court Bar Association president.

The CJI also congratulated other newly elected office-bearers and stressed the importance of maintaining a close and coordinated relationship between the judiciary and the Bar.

The elections were held on Tuesday (August 18, 2026) and the results were announced late in the night.

Mr. Rai secured 822 votes in the presidential election. Senior Advocate Rahul Kaushik was elected vice-president of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and advocate Pragya Baghel was elected secretary. Advocate Amarendra Kumar Singh was elected treasurer and advocate Meneesh Dubey was elected joint secretary.

At the outset of the day's proceedings, Mr. Rai conveyed his support to the bench, saying, "My Lords, this Bar is entirely with your Lordships. We will cooperate 100% and support the bench in every way." "We are a small family. We have always looked after each other and will continue to maintain that coordinated relationship," the CJI said.

CJI Kant also expressed hope 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.

"Your Lordships' guidance is precious. You are the fatherly figures we can always approach," Mr. Rai said.

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