Delhi High Court Directs Bar Council of Delhi to Conduct Elections by January 2026
Compliance with Supreme Court's Mandate for Timely State Bar Council Elections Ensured
In a pivotal move, the Delhi High Court has issued directions to the Bar Council of Delhi to conduct and conclude its elections by January 31, 2026, in accordance with the Supreme Court's mandate. The judgment was delivered by Justice Mini Pushkarna following a writ petition filed by Zahid Ali, a petitioner representing himself, seeking fresh elections for the Bar Council of Delhi.
The case, "Zahid Ali v. Bar Council of Delhi," revolves around the compliance with the Supreme Court's directions issued in "M. Varadhan v. Union of India," which mandates that elections for all State Bar Councils be held in a phased manner and concluded by the specified date. The Supreme Court's order, dated September 24, 2025, highlights the urgency of holding State Bar Council elections, which have been pending for decades in several states.
Justice Mini Pushkarna emphasized the Supreme Court's directive, stressing that the Bar Council of Delhi must adhere to these instructions without delay. The High Court's judgment aims to ensure that the Bar Council of Delhi conducts its elections efficiently and within the timeframe provided by the Supreme Court, thereby upholding democratic processes within professional legal bodies.
The petitioner, Zahid Ali, argued that the delay in elections impairs the functioning and representation within the Bar Council, affecting governance and decision-making. The High Court acknowledged the importance of timely elections and reinforced the Supreme Court's directive by insisting on compliance by the Bar Council of Delhi.
With the High Court's order, the Bar Council of Delhi is now required to initiate the election process, ensuring it aligns with the Supreme Court's phased election strategy and concluding by the end of January 2026. This directive aims to restore regular electoral cycles and enhance accountability and representation within the Bar Council.
As per the Supreme Court's order, in case any State Bar Council exhibits reluctance in complying, the Bar Council of India must submit a status report by October 31, 2025. Such measures reflect the judiciary's commitment to enforcing electoral integrity across legal institutions in India.
The Delhi High Court's judgment marks a significant step in ensuring adherence to the Supreme Court's mandate, fostering transparency and democratic governance within the Bar Council of Delhi. The judgment not only addresses the immediate need for elections but also sets a precedent for compliance across other state bar councils.
Bottom Line:
Directions issued to the Bar Council of Delhi to conduct and conclude its elections in compliance with the Supreme Court's mandate, requiring elections of all State Bar Councils to be held in a phased manner and concluded by 31st January, 2026.
Statutory provision(s): Bar Council of India Act, 1961
Zahid Ali v. Bar Council of Delhi, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2792177
