Supreme Court Mandates Bar Council Elections in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh

The Supreme Court has mandated the Bar Council of India to announce and conduct elections for the Punjab and Haryana bar councils by December 31, 2025. In a decisive step, the court has ensured that democratic processes are adhered to in these states.

Presiding over the matter, Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi directed that elections for the Uttar Pradesh Bar Council should take place by January 31, 2026. The bench addressed grievances about outdated voter lists and delayed notifications, expressing the importance of maintaining timelines.

The Bar Council of India, represented by Senior Advocate Manan Kumar Mishra, has been tasked with forming a panel led by a retired high court judge to oversee the electoral process. The move aims to reinforce trust in democratic institutions and ensure fair elections across the state bar councils.