In a significant move to maintain the integrity of the electoral process, the Returning Officer (RO) for the Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) Election 2026, Justice Talwant Singh (Retd.), has ordered the summary suspension of 67 candidates. This action follows reports of “gross violations” of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and Election Rules, 2023.
The order, dated February 22, 2026, highlights that the infractions occurred despite “categorical advisories and strict warnings” issued by the Election Committee.
The primary legal issue pertains to the violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) governing the BCD elections. The Election Committee reported receiving and verifying “incontrovertible evidence,” including field reports, which established that several candidates willfully defied the mandate of the Election Rules and MCC.
In his order, Justice Talwant Singh stated:
“In exercise of the plenary powers vested in the Election Committee to maintain the sanctity of the electoral process, the candidature of the following SIXTY SEVEN (67) CANDIDATES is hereby placed under SUMMARY SUSPENSION with immediate effect.”
Nature of Violations
The RO’s order detailed several specific infractions that led to this drastic measure, including:
- Illegal Campaigning: Rampant sloganeering in the close vicinity of the polling area and distribution of campaign leaflets and literature.
- Unauthorized Infrastructure: Setting up of tents and display of flex hoardings.
- External Interference: Deployment of unauthorized outsiders within the polling premises.
- Obstruction: Physical obstructions created in the movement of voters.
Next Steps and Right to Appeal
The order emphasizes that these suspensions are “pending elimination of candidature.” The Election Committee has exercised its plenary powers to ensure that the sanctity of the voting process is not compromised by prohibited campaign activities.
The RO has provided a narrow window for recourse, stating that the suspended candidates can appeal against the order within 12 hours of its issuance. The full list of the 67 suspended candidates is provided in the official Annexure attached to the order.
The BCD elections are a critical event for the legal community in the national capital, and this stern action by the Returning Officer underscores the commitment to ensuring a fair, transparent, and disciplined electoral environment.
