SC Cracks Whip: State Bar Council Polls Must Conclude by April 30
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In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has directed state bar councils to complete long-overdue elections within a strict schedule ending April 30. The five-phase exercise will ensure that only verified lawyers can vote, addressing concerns over fake degrees and electoral delays. A bench led by Chief Justice of India-designate Justice Surya Kant has placed the election process under the watch of high-powered committees headed by retired judges, with a national appellate panel to address grievances. The nationwide schedule includes Phase I by January 31, Phase II by February 28, Phase III by March 15, Phase IV by March 31, and the final phase by April 30. The court has also emphasized the need to strengthen law degree verification, which has been repeatedly delayed by bar councils. Verification will continue in parallel, and lawyers who have applied for verification will be allowed to vote, subject to consequences if their degree is found to be fraudulent. To expedite the process, law universities and departments have been directed to authenticate degrees forwarded by state bar councils. The Court has also laid down fixed timelines for each stage of the electoral process, including counting under the supervision of high-powered committees. The ruling comes after years of delays, which have crippled the functioning of bar councils. The court has made it clear that no extensions will be granted, and the election committees will have the final say on any grievances or disputes. The move aims to ensure a transparent and fair electoral process for the legal profession.
