On 10-10-2025, the Bar Council of India (‘BCI’) has dissolved the elected Bar Council of Delhi (‘BCD’), with immediate effect. A 3-member Special Committee has been appointed to oversee verification and ensure free and fair elections for the Delhi Bar Council by 31-1-2026.
Background:
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In 2023, following the expiry of the Delhi Bar Council’s five-year term, the BCI extended its tenure by six months under Section 8 of the Advocates Act 1961, effective from 28-6-2023, citing pandemic-related disruptions and other unavoidable situations.
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On 8-7-2025, BCI permitted the Council to continue functioning under Rule 32 of BCI Rules, while expediting verification of advocates, a temporary measure solely to facilitate timely elections.
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In Writ Petition Civil No. 82 of 2023, the Hon’ble Supreme Court mandated rigorous verification of advocates’ degrees and certificates.
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On 25-5-2025, BCI’s High Powered Verification Committee held a virtual meeting with State Bar Council leaders, urging faster and more accurate verification. Despite this, the Delhi Bar Council showed no measurable improvement.
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BCI issued formal notices on 5-11-2024 and 5-3-2025, highlighting data mismatches and requesting corrected figures along with university correspondence. However, verification shortfalls persisted, and datasets remained unreliable.
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On 24-9-2025, the Hon’ble Supreme Court ordered that elections to all State Bar Councils be completed by 31-1-2026.
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To meet this deadline, BCI required updated verification data for May—30 September 2025 and 1—20 October 2025, with submission deadlines of 15 October and 22 October 2025, respectively.
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On 8-10-2025, the BCI’s General Council constituted an Election Committee to accelerate verification and roll preparation.
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By invoking Section 8A of the Advocates Act, the BCI has taken a firm stand to uphold transparency and accountability, address prolonged delays, and restore democratic representation for Delhi’s advocates.
Key Decisions:
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Dissolution of the Delhi Bar Council
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The State Bar Council of Delhi ceases to function with immediate effect.
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All elected members and office bearers are relieved of their duties.
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All committees of the Council are dissolved.
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Withdrawal of Election Committee
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The Election Committee formed on 8-10-2025 is withdrawn to avoid overlap.
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All responsibilities for verification, electoral roll preparation, polling, counting, and declaration now vest in the Special Committee, along with a Returning Officer and Observer to be appointed by the BCI.
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Constitution of Special Committee:
The newly constituted Special Committee will oversee verification, electoral roll preparation, and conduct of elections. It comprises:
Mr. Chetan Sharma
Additional Solicitor General of India
Chairman
Mr. Maninder Singh
Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India
Member
Mr. Neeraj
President, Central Delhi Court Bar Association
Member
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Responsibilities of the Special Committee:
The Special Committee is entrusted with:
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Completing verification under the BCI Certificate and Place of Practice Verification Rules, 2015.
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Submitting verified datasets by 15 October and 22 October.
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Publishing a draft electoral roll by 31-10-2025.
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Finalizing the roll and conducting polling, counting, and declaration by 31-1-2026.
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Administrative Oversight and Compliance Directive:
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All staff will continue to work under the administrative control of the Special Committee.
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No appointments, transfers, or terminations will be made without its written approval. Disciplinary proceedings, welfare measures, and grievance redressal will continue uninterrupted.
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The BCI has issued this directive as a curative and time-bound measure following repeated extensions and advisories since June 2023. Any obstruction or non-compliance will be viewed seriously and can invite legal action.
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The BCI’s action sets a precedent for timely intervention and reinforces the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democratic institutions.