The Nagpur High Court Bar Association (HCBA) witnessed a significant transition in its leadership on Tuesday as its newly elected executive body formally assumed charge. This new team marks a blend of institutional continuity and a decisive shift towards greater gender diversity, driven by a recent Supreme Court directive.
New Leadership Takes Charge with Historic Women Representation
The most notable feature of the election results is the strong presence of women in the association's hierarchy. In total, seven women members have secured crucial positions within the executive body. This outcome is a direct result of a Supreme Court order issued just days before the December 12 polls, mandating reservation for women in key posts.
In compliance with this directive, specific positions were reserved exclusively for women practising at the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court. These included the posts of vice president, treasurer, and three seats on the executive committee. This reservation policy played a pivotal role in shaping the final composition of the elected body.
Key Office Bearers and Committee Members
Leading the association as its new President is Advocate Abhay Sambre. The two Vice Presidents are Ganesh Khanzode and Smita Deshpande. Shrirang Bhongade has taken over as the Secretary, while Richa Inamdar (Tiwari) assumes the role of Treasurer. Palash Mohta is the Joint Secretary, and Subhada Phaltankar has been appointed as the Library In-charge.
The broader Executive Committee comprises a diverse group of members: Isha Thakre, Surbhi Gupta, Sanket Joshi, Tabish Mirza, Kshitij Jain, Renuka Keole, HV Dhage, Vipul Ingle, and Neha Agrawal.
Priorities and Challenges for the New Team
In his first address after taking office, President Abhay Sambre outlined the key focus areas for his tenure. He emphasized that the association would prioritize welfare initiatives, infrastructure development, and constructive engagement with the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court. Stressing the importance of solidarity, Sambre stated, "There is a need for unity within the Bar, and issues will be taken up in a transparent and collective manner."
The new leadership begins its term at a critical juncture. The legal community in Nagpur is currently navigating several challenges, including those related to court infrastructure, digital access for lawyers, and professional support systems for younger members of the bar. Many within the fraternity view this reconstituted, more inclusive body as a reflection of a changing institutional ethos, better equipped to address these contemporary issues.
The successful implementation of the Supreme Court's reservation mandate in these elections is seen as a landmark step towards fostering a more equitable and representative professional environment for lawyers in the region.
