The controversy surrounding the Hisar Bar Association elections escalated on Wednesday when the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana (BCPH), following directives from the Bar Council of India (BCI), ordered an immediate suspension of the election process scheduled for June 12. The BCPH warned of disciplinary proceedings against election officials if the instructions were not followed.
Directive to Suspend Elections
In a communication issued on June 10, the BCPH instructed returning officer Dalip Jakhar and six assistant returning officers to suspend the election schedule fixed for June 12. The council further directed the Bar Association, its office-bearers, ad-hoc committee members, candidates, and supporters to refrain from any election-related activities, including meetings, polling, voting, or general house proceedings, until further orders.
BCI Interim Order Ignored
This directive came a day after the Bar Council of India, through an interim order dated June 9, stayed the election process and ordered that Dalip Jakhar should not perform any role connected with the elections. Despite this, the District Bar Association issued a notice on June 10 bearing Jakhar's signature as returning officer, which laid down polling guidelines and stated that elections would proceed as scheduled on June 12.
General House Meeting Scheduled
The Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana has informed that a General House Meeting of the Council has been convened on June 13 to consider and finalize the election schedule for all Bar Associations in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. Pending that decision, the Hisar election process has been ordered to remain in abeyance.
Show-Cause Notices Issued
The Council has also issued show-cause notices to Dalip Jakhar and the assistant returning officers, directing them to submit written replies within three days. The notice explicitly warns that failure to comply with the order or failure to halt the election process may result in disciplinary proceedings under law without any further notice.
Origin of the Dispute
The dispute originated from a complaint filed before the Bar Council of India by advocate Rajat Kalsan, who questioned the legality of the election process, the functioning of the Ad-hoc Committee, and alleged violations relating to the voter list and election procedure. The Bar Council of India has already sought an inquiry report into the matter.
