The Hisar Bar Association has resolved to move forward with its scheduled elections on June 12, despite an interim stay imposed by the Bar Council of India (BCI) on the ongoing election process. The decision was taken unanimously during a General House meeting held at the Bar Hall on Thursday.
Unanimous Decision to Proceed
Advocates present at the meeting emphasized that the election process had already progressed substantially, with nominations filed and scrutiny completed. The General House also decided to submit a detailed reply to the BCI notice, questioning the basis of the interim order. Election officer Dilip Jakhar informed the gathering that a large number of lawyers attended the meeting and opposed any postponement at this stage. He stated that the General House had resolved to respond to the BCI with relevant facts and proceed with polling on the scheduled date.
Support for Election Officer
Jakhar told the assembly that he was prepared to face any action the Bar Council might initiate in response to their defiance. Several advocates expressed their solidarity, asserting that the matter concerned the entire Bar and not just an individual office-bearer. During the meeting, some lawyers argued that the Bar Council had no authority to interfere in the association's internal election process. They alleged that such intervention could disrupt the traditionally cordial atmosphere within the Bar.
Background of the Stay Order
The development follows an interim order issued by Apurba Kumar Sharma, chairman of the executive committee of the Bar Council of India, after complaints were received from certain members of the Hisar Bar. The complainants alleged that the proposed election process was not being conducted in accordance with the rules and guidelines framed by the BCI and the Punjab and Haryana Bar Council. According to the complaint, elections of bar associations across the state are required to follow a uniform procedure and schedule, and the complainants claimed that the process adopted in Hisar was inconsistent with these norms. Acting on the complaint, the BCI stayed the election process and sought a reply from the Hisar Bar Association within three days.
The Hisar Bar Association's decision to proceed despite the stay underscores its commitment to its internal democratic processes and its readiness to challenge what it perceives as overreach by the Bar Council of India.
