In a significant step to reinforce democratic functioning within the legal fraternity, the Supreme Court of India has directed the Bar Council of India (BCI) to issue a notification for the long-pending elections to the Bar Councils of Punjab and Haryana within ten days, and to ensure that polling is completed by December 31, 2025.

The Court, while monitoring the delays in various state bar council elections, also ordered that elections for the Uttar Pradesh Bar Council be concluded by January 31, 2026. The bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi observed that the democratic process within the legal community cannot be allowed to stagnate due to administrative inaction or procedural bottlenecks.

During the hearing, BCI Chairperson and Senior Advocate Manan Kumar Mishra apprised the Court that the Bar Council rules require a minimum of 180 days between the issuance of an election notification and the conduct of the polls. This procedural timeline, he argued, could pose challenges in meeting the Supreme Court’s December deadline for Punjab and Haryana.

The bench, however, insisted that the election process should not be delayed further. To ensure transparency and fairness, the Court directed that a committee headed by a retired High Court judge be constituted to oversee the conduct of these elections. The BCI was also instructed to set up a similar committee specifically for Punjab and Haryana to facilitate timely and credible elections.

Expressing concern that electoral processes in several state bar councils have been repeatedly delayed, the Court emphasized that the principle of self-governance within the legal profession must be upheld. The justices noted that while administrative and logistical issues may arise, such concerns should not be used to justify prolonged postponements.

The Court also took note of reports that the electoral roll for Uttar Pradesh had not been uploaded on the official website, further delaying the process. It clarified that while grievances of voters and candidates should be addressed, the overall schedule for elections must not be compromised.

The Supreme Court’s directive reflects its continuing effort to ensure that statutory bar councils—responsible for regulating advocates and protecting professional standards—remain democratically accountable. The judgment underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding transparency, periodic elections, and self-regulation within the legal profession.

By setting firm deadlines and mandating independent oversight, the Court has effectively reasserted that democratic renewal within bar councils is not a mere formality but an essential element of legal self-governance. The decision is expected to expedite similar elections in other states where the process has been pending for years, thereby restoring confidence in the representative structure of the legal community.

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