---
title: "CJI congratulates Pradeep Rai as SCBA president and outlines ties with the Bar"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/india-scba-election-rai-wins-c5cl1
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Politics
published: 2026-08-19T12:00:32.935Z
modified: 2026-08-19T14:00:08.372Z
language: en-IN
---

# CJI congratulates Pradeep Rai as SCBA president and outlines ties with the Bar

India's Chief Justice Surya Kant extended congratulations to Pradeep Rai on becoming SCBA president and to other elected office-bearers after Tuesday's vote, noting strong judiciary-bar coordination. Rai secured 822 votes; the results were announced late on August 18, 2026.

## Key takeaways

- Pradeep Rai was elected president of the Supreme Court Bar Association with 822 votes.
- New SCBA office-bearers include Rahul Kaushik (vice-president), Pragya Baghel (secretary), Amarendra Kumar Singh (treasurer), and Meneesh Dubey (joint secretary).
- The CJI emphasized a close and coordinated relationship between the judiciary and the Bar and expressed support for the bench.

## What Happened

The Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, publicly congratulated Senior Advocate Pradeep Rai on his election as president of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA). Rai won the presidential post with 822 votes. The election occurred on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, and the results were announced late that night. Alongside Rai, other newly elected SCBA office-bearers were announced: Rahul Kaushik as vice-president, Pragya Baghel as secretary, Amarendra Kumar Singh as treasurer, and Meneesh Dubey as joint secretary. At the outset of proceedings, Rai pledged full cooperation to the bench, stating the Bar stands with the judiciary and will support it in every way. CJI Kant echoed the sentiment, urging leadership by example and stressing the importance of a coordinated relationship between the judiciary and the Bar.

## Why It Matters

The exchange underscores an emphasis on collaboration between India’s judiciary and its Bar, as highlighted by the CJI. The messages of support from Rai to the bench and the emphasis on maintaining a close working relationship suggest a focus on fostering continuity and constructive engagement between judges and lawyers at a time when professional ties within the legal community are often scrutinized for effectiveness and integrity. These remarks accompany the formal transition of SCBA leadership, signaling potential alignment on junior lawyer development and bar initiatives.

## Background

The SCBA is the representative body for Supreme Court advocates and elects its leadership periodically. The published reports confirm the date and results of the August 2026 elections, including Rai’s presidential win and the accompanying offices.

## Key Facts

- Election date: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
- Announcement date: late night of August 18, 2026
- Presidential winner: Pradeep Rai with 822 votes
- Vice-president: Rahul Kaushik
- Secretary: Pragya Baghel
- Treasurer: Amarendra Kumar Singh
- Joint secretary: Meneesh Dubey
- CJI's message: reaffirmed close and coordinated relationship between judiciary and the Bar and support for the bench

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/india-scba-election-rai-wins-c5cl1
Reported from: Multiple Sources