Jahanvi Agarwal
The Delhi High Court, Delhi High Court Bar Association, all District Court Bar Associations, and associated Tribunals Bar Associations, has decreed that all Bar Association elections will occur concurrently hereafter. Furthermore, the tenure of all Executive Committees will be standardized to a uniform period of two years.
Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, along with Justices Rajiv Shakdher and Suresh Kumar Kait, emphasized that the electoral procedures and Executive Committee elections for all Bar Associations will adhere to their respective Rules, Regulations, and Bye-laws.
The court asserted that these consensual directives embody the principle of “One Bar One Vote,” fostering uniformity, transparency, and fairness in the election process across all Bar Associations.
The implementation of ‘one-day elections’ aims to prevent interference from members of other Bar Associations and avoid overcrowding by supporters of candidates contesting multiple elections. The fixed two-year term will enable effective functioning and implementation of welfare schemes, reducing pre- and post-election litigations and saving judicial time.
These directives aim to mitigate electoral malpractices and ensure smooth, fair elections. Simultaneously, individuals elected to one Bar Association or body cannot simultaneously hold a position in another Association or body, promoting accountability and effective representation.
To uphold the integrity of elections and curb financial influence, the Court prohibited the installation of hoardings, posters, or hosting parties by candidates. Instead, candidates can conduct physical and virtual meetings and utilize social media platforms to communicate their proposed improvements for the legal fraternity.
Given that all Bar Association terms expire in September 2024, the Court deemed it appropriate to schedule elections for all associations on October 19, 2024.
Case Name: Lalit Sharma & Ors. vs. Union of India & Ors
Dairy Number: 10363/2021
Bench: Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, Justice Rajiv Shakdher and Justice Suresh Kumar Kait