Shreya Gupta
On February 28, 2025, Sartej Singh Narula has been elected as the President of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association (HCBA) after securing 1,781 votes. His closest rival, Ravinder Singh Randhawa, garnered 1,404 votes, while former president Vikas Malik finished third with 816 votes. Narula’s victory was marked by a significant margin, reflecting strong support from the legal fraternity.
Following the announcement of results, the HCBA lawns became the epicenter of jubilant celebrations. Advocates, colleagues, and well-wishers surrounded Narula, adorning him with thick garlands in shades of bright orange and yellow. The sheer number of garlands nearly concealed his lawyer’s coat as he stood beaming in the midst of the enthusiastic crowd. In his victory speech, Narula expressed gratitude to his supporters, emphasizing that his win was not just personal but a collective triumph for all those who aspired to see a more dynamic and progressive HCBA. The celebration continued with the distribution of sweets among the members, and the atmosphere grew even livelier as his supporters paraded through the corridors. Some of them even broke into impromptu bhangra, adding a festive spirit to the occasion.
Narula, known for his administrative acumen, had based his campaign on a vision for infrastructural improvements, enhanced welfare measures for legal professionals, and better coordination between the Bar and the Judiciary. His victory signalled the endorsement of these promises by the association’s members. Post-election, he reaffirmed his commitment to fostering a progressive and united HCBA that prioritizes the professional growth of every advocate. His leadership is expected to bring significant changes aimed at improving the working conditions and overall functioning of the association.