In a recent decision, the Supreme Court declined to entertain a plea that sought to relax eligibility requirements for voters in the forthcoming bar association elections in Delhi. The Bench, comprising Justices BR Gavai, Prashant Kumar Mishra, and KV Viswanathan, instructed the petitioners to first take their grievances to the Delhi High Court.
The petition, initiated by Advocate Anurag Rawal of Atharva Law Chambers, challenged specific conditions set by a March 19 judgment of the Delhi High Court regarding the conduct of these elections. The contentious criteria include the need for proximity cards, proof of at least twelve court appearances in the last year, and documentation of recent professional remuneration for lawyers in firms.
These conditions were part of a broader High Court ruling aiming to synchronize the election schedule for all bar associations in Delhi to occur simultaneously and on the same day. The High Court’s decision also outlined various categories of bonafide advocates eligible to vote, including senior advocates, former judicial officers, and partners or associates of registered law firms with a standing of over 25 years.
Further, the March 19 ruling included measures to reduce the influence of money in the elections, such as prohibitions against hosting election parties and erecting campaign hoardings, to maintain the integrity of the election process.
This Supreme Court’s directive comes shortly after it stayed another aspect of the same High Court ruling, which barred candidates from contesting for two positions simultaneously in the bar elections.
