The Delhi High Court on Thursday deferred the Shahdara Bar Association elections, originally scheduled for May 9, to May 25, 2025. The decision was taken by a Bench comprising Justices Prathiba M. Singh, Navin Chawla, and C. Hari Shankar, which is monitoring the electoral process of various bar associations in Delhi.
This development follows concerns regarding inadequate security at the Karkardooma Court Complex. The issue was raised by Retired Justice Talwant Singh, Chairperson of the Shahdara Bar Association Election Committee, who flagged apprehensions over potential law and order disturbances during the elections.
In response, the High Court had earlier this week instructed the Delhi Police to deploy sufficient security personnel and to take strict action against any individual or group—lawyers or otherwise—who attempt to disrupt the electoral process.
The elections for all other bar associations in Delhi, barring Saket and Shahdara, were concluded on March 21. Given the sensitive situation in Shahdara, the High Court is taking extra measures to ensure a fair and peaceful election.
During the latest hearing, the Court also recorded that contesting candidates had expressed willingness to bear the cost of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), which the Court approved. Furthermore, in order to maintain order during vote counting, the Bench directed that only one authorised representative from each candidate shall be permitted inside the court premises, while supporters and other voters must remain outside.
The matter will be taken up again on May 25, the new date for the postponed elections.
