Chandigarh, February 24, 2025 (Bharat Khabarnama Bureau) – To uphold the sanctity of bar associations elections, the State Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana has issued strict guidelines against extravagant feasts, promotional events, women dancing programs or liquor parties organized by candidates (lawyers) during their election campaigns.
Mentionably, these directives were issued after the Bar Council had received some complaints and a video clips surfaced showing candidates contesting for a bar body election organizing an orchestra dancer program to seek support from fellow lawyer voters.
Notably, elections for office-bearers of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association and district bar associations in Punjab, Haryana, and UT Chandigarh are scheduled for February 28.
The State Bar Council, the highest regulatory body for lawyers in the region, has issued a formal warning to all bar associations against such activities, including liquor parties and gift distribution. The council has also cautioned that any candidate found involved in such activities may face cancellation of their nomination, as it constitutes a violation of the election code of conduct. This step aims to maintain decorum and integrity in the electoral process of the legal fraternity.
In this regard a State Bar Council Chairman official stated, “We have issued these directives to ensure purity, impartiality, transparency, and discipline in the election process. A special monitoring team has also been proposed for election oversight.”
In this message the Bar Council has further warned that if any candidate, supporter, acquaintance, or associated group is found engaging in such activities, they will face disciplinary action under the Advocates Act, 1961, relevant Bar Council rules, and the country’s legal provisions.
