The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed strong disapproval over the ongoing irregularities in the Karnal Bar Association elections, warning that it may be compelled to dissolve the association if the situation persists.
The matter came up before a Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N.K. Singh in Sandeep Chaudhry v. Jagmal Singh Jatain, where the Court was considering a challenge to a Punjab & Haryana High Court order that had stayed a directive issued by the Bar Council of India (BCI). The BCI had allowed Advocate Sandeep Chaudhry to contest the Karnal Bar Association elections, a move contested by the Bar Council of Punjab & Haryana, which had earlier restrained him based on allegations of having allotted chambers to ineligible advocates.
Raising serious questions over the administration and functioning of the bar, the Supreme Court cautioned:
“We will take some serious actions, we will dissolve Bar Association… if this continues we will take some serious action, which is in your mind but would not share with you at this time… we don’t fear anyone. We will take the bull by the horns.”
In February, the Punjab & Haryana High Court had held that the BCI lacked jurisdiction to hear the appeal, stating that the State Bar Council’s Special Committee had not completed its inquiry or issued final recommendations.
Challenging the High Court’s order, the petitioner argued before the apex court that he had not been afforded an opportunity to be heard.
The Supreme Court underscored the need for institutional accountability and hinted at judicial intervention if necessary.
“We are not unwilling, and we will not hesitate to deliver the judgment on the judicial side if necessary. However, for now, we prefer to avoid that. If an amicable resolution is possible, we would prefer that approach,” the Bench observed.
The Court directed that the matter be listed for further consideration on April 25, by which time Senior Advocate and Amicus Curiae R.S. Cheema is to suggest names of senior members of the Karnal Bar who could temporarily take charge of the Bar Association’s affairs as an interim measure.
