Date: 2022-09-21Category: Extra OrdinaryState: Union GovernmentCountry: India
In recent past the Bar Council of India has noticed some instances of mal practice in the elections of State Bar Councils Similar in the case in the elections of member, Bar Council of India also
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**Report on Bar Council of India Uniform Rules and Mandatory Guidelines for the Elections of Bar Councils, 2016**
**1. Executive Summary:**
The provided text details the Bar Council of India's (BCI) enactment of the "Bar Council of India Uniform Rules and Mandatory Guidelines for the Elections of Bar Councils, 2016." This policy aims to address instances of malpractice and lack of transparency in State Bar Council elections, as well as elections for BCI members. Key changes include eligibility criteria for candidates (particularly regarding Bar Association office bearers), voter list preparation, election procedures, and the establishment of election tribunals. The overall purpose is to ensure fair, transparent, and credible elections within the Bar Council system, and to curb undue influence and unethical practices.
**2. Introduction:**
This report provides an overview and analysis of the "Bar Council of India Uniform Rules and Mandatory Guidelines for the Elections of Bar Councils, 2016," based solely on the text provided. The report aims to inform affected parties about the policy's objectives, key provisions, and likely implications.
**3. Policy Overview:**
* Core Objective(s):
* To make the elections of State Bar Councils fair and transparent.
* To address instances of malpractice and election disputes in State Bar Council elections and BCI member elections.
* To lay down mandatory guidelines for the conduct of elections of State Bar Councils and the election of BCI members from State Bar Councils.
* To prescribe requirements for eligibility to contest State Bar Council elections.
* To curb unnecessary strikes, boycotts, and abstentions within Bar Councils.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
* The policy addresses problems arising from instances of malpractice, election disputes, undue influence, and a perceived increase in inexperienced advocates within State Bar Councils. The text highlights specific examples, such as issues in the Chhattisgarh State Bar Council election. The increasing number of non-practicing advocates and the involvement of Bar Council members in instigating strikes on baseless grounds are also cited as reasons for the new policy. Furthermore, the policy aims to prevent office bearers of Bar Associations from leveraging their positions for undue advantage in State Bar Council elections.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
This is a *New Policy*, so this section details the main components, rules, and actions mandated by the entire text:
* **Title and Extent:** The rules are named "Bar Council of India Uniform Rules and Mandatory Guidelines for the Elections of Bar Councils, 2016" and apply to all Bar Councils constituted under the Advocates Act 1961 and all advocates listed on State rolls.
* **Definitions:** Provides definitions for key terms such as "Act," "Advocate," "State Bar Council," "Non-Practicing Advocate," "Fake Person," "Bar Association," and "Office Bearer of the Bar Association."
* **Returning Officer (RO) and Assistant Returning Officers (AROs):** Specifies the qualifications and appointment process for the RO and AROs. The RO must be a former Chief Justice or Judge of a High Court, and AROs should preferably be advocates from other states with significant experience.
* **Voting Requirements:** Every voter in State Bar Council elections must exercise at least 5 preferences on their ballot papers, or the ballot may be invalidated.
* **Eligibility Criteria for Candidates:**
* An advocate convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude is ineligible to contest State Bar Council elections.
* Office bearers of Bar Associations (President, Vice President, General Secretary, or Secretary General) are ineligible to contest State Bar Council elections, unless they resigned before the election notification date. This restriction does not apply to office bearers of the Supreme Court Bar Association.
* **Electoral Roll Preparation:**
* A preliminary electoral roll is prepared after publishing a list of non-practicing advocates.
* Advocates who haven't paid the welfare subscription amount are disqualified.
* A final electoral roll is published, including advocates who are not listed as non-practicing and have cleared the required welfare amount and passed the All India Bar Examination (for those enrolled after 2010).
* The electoral roll must contain a scanned copy of the voter's photograph.
* **Nomination Fee:** A non-refundable nomination fee of Rs. 30,000 is required from each candidate for State Bar Council elections.
* **Election Timeline:** State Bar Council elections must be held within 60 days of the final electoral roll publication. If elections are not held within this period, a fresh list of voters will be prepared.
* **Counting of Votes:** Counting should begin within 15 days of voting completion and be concluded within 30 days if feasible.
* **Election Tribunals:** Establishes State Election Tribunals to adjudicate election disputes. These tribunals are headed by a former Chief Justice or Judge of a High Court and include a Senior Advocate, all from a different state than the State Bar Council. An appeal lies to the Bar Council of India Election Tribunal, which is headed by a former Judge of the Supreme Court.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
The primary target audience and stakeholders are:
* Advocates enrolled with State Bar Councils in India.
* State Bar Councils.
* Bar Associations.
* The Bar Council of India.
* Candidates contesting State Bar Council elections.
* Voters in State Bar Council elections.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agencies/Bodies:**
* State Bar Councils are primarily responsible for implementing the rules.
* The Bar Council of India provides oversight and approval.
* Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers are responsible for conducting elections.
* Election Tribunals adjudicate election disputes.
* **Timelines and Procedures:**
* The policy outlines specific timelines for electoral roll preparation, election conduct, and vote counting.
* Procedures for RO/ARO appointment and election tribunal constitution are specified.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The likely intended outcomes of this policy are:
* Increased transparency and fairness in State Bar Council elections.
* Reduced instances of malpractice and election disputes.
* Greater credibility in the election process.
* More active and ethical participation from Bar Council members.
* Curtailed undue influence from Bar Associations.
* A more professional and less disruptive environment within Bar Councils.
**9. Conclusion:**
The "Bar Council of India Uniform Rules and Mandatory Guidelines for the Elections of Bar Councils, 2016" represent a significant effort by the BCI to address concerns about fairness, transparency, and ethical conduct in Bar Council elections. By establishing clear eligibility criteria, outlining specific election procedures, and creating independent election tribunals, the policy aims to ensure credible and representative governance within the legal profession. The success of this policy will depend on the effective implementation and enforcement by State Bar Councils and the BCI.
Key Entities Referenced
NEW DELHI: Capital of India; place of publication
Bar Council of India: An organization that regulates the legal profession in India.
State Bar Councils: Bar Councils established at the state level in India.
State Bar Council of Chhattisgarh: A specific State Bar Council in the state of Chhattisgarh, India.
Punjab Haryana Bar Council: A State Bar Council for the states of Punjab and Haryana, India.
Kerala Bar Council: A State Bar Council in the state of Kerala, India.
Madhya Pradesh Bar Council: A State Bar Council in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India.
Madras High Court: A High Court in the city of Madras (Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India.
Society Registration Act: An act related to registration of societies
High Court: The High Court
Supreme Court Bar Association: An association of lawyers practicing in the Supreme Court.
Advocates Act 1961: The Advocates Act of 1961
Gazette of India: The official gazette of the Government of India.
BCI Certificate and Place of PracticeVerification Rules, 2015: Rules related to certificate and place of practice verification by Bar Council of India.
All India Bar Examination: Bar examination of India.
Rajya Sabha: Upper house of the Parliament of India
Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi: Road and Location in Delhi, India
रजिस्ट्री स.ं डी.एल.- 33004/99 REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
सी.जी.-डी.एल.-अ.-23092022-239005
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CG-DL-E-23092022-239005
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असाधारण
EXTRAORDINARY
भाग III—खण् ड 4
PART III—Section 4
प्राजधकार स ेप्रकाजित
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
स.ं 464] नई दिल्ली, बुधवार, जसतम्ब र 21, 2022/भाद्र 30, 1944
No. 464] NEW DELHI, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2022/BHADRA 30, 1944
ubZ fnYyh] 20 flrEcj] 2022
gky ds fnuks a es a Hkkjrh; fof/kK ifj’kn u s jkT; fof/kK ifj’knkas ds pquko es a dnkpkj ds dqN mnkgj.k n[s k s gSaA
blh rjg] Hkkjrh; fof/kK ifj’kn ds lnL; ds pquko es a Hkh] pquko fooknkas ls lacfa/kr ifj’kn dks yxkrkj pquko
;kfpdk,¡ fey jgh gSaA
NÙkhlx< + jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn dk pquko bldk lcls [kjkc mnkgj.k gS tgk¡ ekuuh; mPp U;k;ky; us Hkh tkap
ds ckn er i=kas es a gjs &Qsj ik;kA lnL; Hkkjrh; fof/kK ifj’kn ds pquko es]a tks jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn es a gksrk gS]
lacfa/kr jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn ds lfpo ,ls s pqukoksa ds fy, pqukokf/kdkjh@pquko izo{s kd ds #i es a dk;Z djrs gSa]
ftuls vDlj iwNrkN Hkh dh tkrh gSA Hkkjrh; fof/kK ifj’kn es a lnL; izfrfuf/k;ks a ds pquko dk fookn iatkc o
gfj;k.kk jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn] dsjy jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn] e/; izns'k jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn] NÙkhlx< + jkT; fof/kK
ifj’kn ls vk;k FkkA e/; izns'k jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn dk ekeyk mPp U;k;ky; rd tk pqdk gSA bles a Hkkjrh;
fof/kK ifj’kn dk cgqr gh dherh le; yxrk gS] blds vykok tc ,sls ekeys Hkkjrh; fof/kK ifj’kn ds le{k
fu.kZ; ds fy, vkr s gSa rks ;g vuko';d fooknks a dk s tUe nrs k gSA
blfy,] Hkkjrh; fof/kK ifj’kn u s jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn ds pqukoks a dks fu’i{k vkSj ikjn'khZ cuku s ds fy, jkT;
fof/kK ifj’knkas ds pquko ds fy, ;s lekU; fu;e cuk;s gSa] ftles a jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn vkSj jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn
ls Hkkjrh; fof/kK ifj’kn ds lnL; ds pquko ds fy, vfuok;Z fn'kk funsZ'k fu/kkZfjr fd, x, gSaA
6329 GI/2022 (1)2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART III—SEC.4]
enzkl mPp U;k;ky; us Hkkjrh; fof/kK ifj’kn dks jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn ds pquko yM+u s ds fy, ik=rk ds fy,
dqN fuf'pr odkyr dh vof/k fu/kkZfjr dju s ds fy, dqN fun'k tkjh fd;s gSaA ifj’kn us ;g Hkh ns[kk gS fd
jkT; fof/kK ifj’knkas esa vuqHkoghu vkSj vifjiDo vf/koDrkvks a dh la[;k esa o`f) ds dkj.k] fof/kK ifj’knks a es a
vuko';d gM+rky] cfg’dkj vkSj dk;Z vojks/k vkfn dk s jksdu s es a vleFkZ gSA fof/kK ifj’knksa es a fnu c fnu
odkyr O;olk; ls fojDr vf/koDrkvksa dh la[;k c<+rh tk jgh gSA urhtu fof/kK ifj’kn bls lkSai s x, dk;ksZa
dk fuoZgu dju s es a vleFkZ gSA fof/kK ifj’kn ds dqN lnL; Lo;a gh vk/kkjghu gM+rky ds fy, yxkrkj vokgu
dju s es a “kkfey gSa] ftlls odkyr is'k s dh izfr’Bk dks xaHkhj uqdlku igqaprk gS vkSj vlgk; xjhc okfn;kas dks
vi.w kZuh; {kfr gkrs h gSA
;g Hkh vuqHko fd;k x;k gS fd tks O;fDr fdlh Hkh fof/kK la?k ¼lkls kbVh iathdj.k vf/kfu;e ds rgr iathd`r
lkls kbVh ;k jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn ;k mPp U;k;ky; ;k LFkkuh; ftyk U;k;ky; ;k rkyqdk U;k;ky; }kjk
ekU;rk izkIr fof/kK la?k½ ds inkf/kdkjh gSa] ;fn jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn ds lnL; ds #i es a pqu s tkus ij] o jkT;
fof/kK ifj’kn ds lnL; ds #i esa viuh fLFkfr dk vuqfpr ykHk mBkuk “kq# dj nsrs gSaA
fof/kK la?kkas ds NksV&s NksV s eqn~nksa dks Hkh ,ls s lnL;ks a }kjk iwjs jkT; dk eqn~nk cuk fn;k tkrk gS vkSj dbZ ckj
fdlh fo'ks’k ,lksfl,'ku ds eqn~nksa@fooknksa ds dkj.k iwj s jkT; es a gM+rky] cfg’dkj vkSj dk;Z vojks/k dk vkºoku
fd;k tkrk gSA bruk gh ugha ,ls s inkf/kdkjh jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn ds pquko es a Hkh vius inkas dk vuqfpr ykHk
mBkr s gSaA blds vykok] bl rjg dh izFkk la?kkas es a lewgokn ds joS;s dks izkRs lkfgr djrh jgh gSA
fof/kK la?kksa dh fdlh Hkh pquko fookn dk s ifj’kn ds le{k vku s dh fLFkfr esa] ftles a fdlh fof/kK ifj’kn ds
lnL; dk dksbZ fgr gks] jkT; fof/kK ifj’knkas esa viuk vuqfpr izHkko Mkyus es a lQy gksrs gSa vkSj fookn dks
vius fgr es a fuiVokrs gSA blfy,] ifj’kn u s bl rjg dh izFkk dks jksduk vko';d le>k gSA
fdlh Hkh ckj ,lkfsl,'ku ds inkf/kdkjh jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn dk pquko yM+us ds ik= ugha gksxa sA gkyk¡fd]
dk;Zokgd “kCn es a dsoy v/;{k] mik/;{k] lfpo] egklfpo “kkfey gksaxsA
mijksDr inks a ls U;wu inksa ds inkf/kdkjh jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn dk pquko yM+us ds ik= gksaxsA blds vykok pw¡fd
mPpre U;k;ky; fof/kK la?k ds inkf/kdkfj;kas dks Hkh fdlh LFkkuh; fof/kK la?kks a ds pquko fooknks a es a “kkfey ugha
gksuk pkfg, vkSj mPpre U;k;ky; fof/kK la?k ds inkf/kdkjh tks fd ns'k ds fofHkUu jkT;kas ds lnL; gSa] ,ls s
mPpre U;k;ky; fof/kK la?k ds inkf/kdkjh tks ftu jkT; fof/kK ifj’knkas es a ukekfadr gS ml jkT; fof/kK
ifj’kn es a mUgas pquko yM+u s ls ugha jksdk tk ldrk gSA
ifj’kn u s fof/kK ifj’kn dh lnL;rk ds fy, vyx ls fu;e Hkh cuk;k gSA blfy,] jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn vkSj
Hkkjrh; fof/kK ifj’kn ds lnL; ds pquko es a pqukoh lq/kkj ds fy, rRdky dne mBkus dh vko';drk gSA
mijksDr dkj.kkas dks /;ku esa j[kr s gq, Hkkjrh; fof/kK ifj’kn u s jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn ds pqukoka s ds fy, vfuok;Z
fn'kk funZs'k fu/kkZfjr djrs gq, fuEufyf[kr fu;e cuk;s gSa vkSj ;fn vko';d gk s rks jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn ds bu
fu;ekas es a tYn gh lalks/ku fd;k tk;s rkfd bu fu;eks a vkSj fn'kk fun'kks a ds mYy?kau es a vc ls dkbs Z pquko ugha
djk;k tk;sxkA
bu fu;eks a dks ^fof/kK ifj’knkas ds pquko laca/kh Hkkjrh; fof/kK ifj’kn lekU; fu;e ¼vkSj vfuok;Z fn'kk funZs'k½
2016 dgk tk;sxkA
;s fu;e vf/koDrk vf/kfu;e 1961 ds rgr xfBr lHkh fof/kK ifj’knks a vkSj mu lHkh vf/koDrkvkas ij ykxw gksaxs
ftuds uke vf/koDrk vf/kfu;e 1961 dh /kkjk 17 ds rgr jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn }kjk cuk;s tk s jg s jkT;
vf/koDrk ukekadu layXud es a vafdr gSaA[भाग III—खण् ड 4] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 3
dk vFkZ gS vf/koDrk vf/kfu;e 1961 ls gSA
dk vFkZ ,d vf/koDrk ds #i es a ftldk uke vf/koDrk vf/kfu;e 1961 dh /kkjk 17 ds rgr
jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn ds }kjk cuk;s tk jg s vf/koDrkvks a dh lwph esa ntZ fd;k x;k gksA
dk vFkZ vf/koDrk vf/kfu;e 1961 dh /kkjk 3¼1½¼v½ ds rgr ifjHkkf’kr jkT;
fof/kK ifj’kn ls gSA
(Non-Practicing) dk vFkZ fdlh Hkh jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn es a ukekfadr
,d odhy ls gS tks dkuwuh O;olk; ls fojDr gS vkSj fdlh vU; lkoZtfud ;k futh ukSdjh] O;olk;] vuqca/k
bR;kfn es a yxk gqvk gS vkSj tks Hkkjrh; fof/kK ifj’kn ds chlhvkbZ lfVZfQdsV vkSj Iysl vkWQ izSfDVl ¼lR;kiu½
fu;e] 2015 ds fu;e 13 vkSj fu;e 20-2 ds rgr vO;kolkf;d (Non-Practicing) vf/koDrk ds #i es a ?kkfs’kr
fd;k x;k gS ;k ftudk uke jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn vkSj Hkkjrh; fof/kK ifj’kn ds }kjk cuk, x, lR;kfir
vf/koDrkvkas ds jftLVj es a ugha gSA
,d ,slk O;fDr gS tks dkuwu esa oS/k fMxzh ¼fdlh Hkh jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn es a iathdj.k ds
fcuk½ ds fcuk dkuwu@vf/kdj.k ;k vU; dkuwuh eapksa ds U;k;ky;ks a es a vH;kl dju s es a “kkfey gS vkSj ,ls s
U;k;ky;kas] U;k;kf/kdj.kkas es a mifLFkr gkus s ds fy, mi;ksx djrk gS ;k eapkas u s mUgs a voS/k #i ls ,d odhy ds
#i esa is'k fd;kA
f “kCn es a vf/koDrkvkas dk s dksbZ Hkh la?k “kkfey gksxk] pkgs og fdlh Hkh
uke ls tkuk tk,] tks ;k rk s lkls k;Vh iathdj.k vf/kfu;e ds rgr iathd`r gS ;k jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn ;k mPp
U;k;ky; ;k LFkkuh; ftyk ;k rkyqdk] mieaMy U;k;ky; ;k Hkkjrh; fof/kK ifj’kn }kjk ekU;rkizkIr gSA
inkf/kdkjh “kCn dk vFkZ fof/kK la?k ds v/;{k] mik/;{k] egklfpo
;k lfpo “kkfey gksaxs] ysfdu bles a la;qDr lfpo] lgk;d ;k dksbZ vU; inkf/kdkjh “kkfey ugha gkasxsA c'krZsa fd
;g izfrca/k mPpre U;k;ky; fof/kK la?k ds inkf/kdkfj;ksa ij ykxw ugha gksxkA
-II
fdlh Hkh jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn ds pqukoksa dk lapkyu dju s okyk pquko izHkkjh@pquko izo{s kd fdlh Hkh mPp
U;k;ky; ds iwoZ eq[; U;k;k/kh'k ;k fdlh mPp U;k;ky; ds iwoZ U;k;k/kh'k ds #i es a de ls de 7 lky dk
vuqHko j[krk gk s ;k fdlh mPp U;k;ky; ds U;k;k/kh'k ds #i es a gksxkA ysfdu vxj vU; jkT;ks a ds ,ls s
U;k;k/kh'k miyC/k ugha gSa rks eq[; U;k;k/kh'k ;k vius jkT; ds U;k;k/kh'kkas dh fu;qfDr dh tk ldrh gSA
Hkkjrh; fof/kK ifj’kn ds vuqekns u ls jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn }kjk pquko vf/kdkjh@pquko izo{s kd fu;qDr@ukekafdr
fd;k tk;sxkA
nks lgk;d pquko izos{kd gksaxs ftUgsa Hkkjrh; fof/kK ifj’kn ds vuqeksnu ls jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn }kjk ukfer fd;k
tk;sxkA ;s lgk;d pquko vf/kdkjh de ls de 25 o’kkZsa ds LFkk;h vf/koDrk O;olk; okys dqN vU; jkT;ks a ds
vf/koDrk gksaxs] ysfdu vxj ,ls s vf/koDrk miyC/k ugha gSa] rks mlh jkT; ds vf/koDrkvks a dk s fu;qDr fd;k tk
ldrk gSA
pquko djku s vkSj erx.kuk ¼eri=½ ds fy, dfeZ;ks a dks fdlh vU; jkT; ls pquko vf/kdkjh dh lykg ij dke
ij j[kk tk,xkA erx.kuk ny dks jkT;lHkk pquko ;k jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn pquko esa erks a dh x.kuk dk i;kZIr
vuqHko gksus ij mudk s izkFkfedrk nh tk;sxhA
jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn ds pqukoka s esa] izR;sd ernkrk dk s vius eri=ksa ij de ls de 5 ojh;rk,¡@fodYiks a dks
iz;ksx djuk gksxk] ,ls k u dju s ij pquko vf/kdkjh ds foods ds vk/kkj ij eri= dks vekU; ?kksf’kr fd;k tk
ldrk gSA ,d vf/koDrk fdlh Hkh jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn dk pquko yM+u s ds fy, ik= ugha gksxk] ;fn mls uSfrd
v/kerk ls tqM+ s vijk/k ds fy, nks’kh Bgjk;k x;k gSA4 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART III—SEC.4]
-III
,d vf/koDrk] tks fdlh Hkh fof/kd la?k ¼ fof/kK la?k dks NkMs +dj½ dk inkf/kdkjh gS] jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn dk
pquko yM+us ds fy, ik= ugh a gksxkA gkykafd] ;fn ,ls s inkf/kdkjh u s jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn ds pquko dh vf/klwpuk
dh rkjh[k igy s gh viu s in ls bLrhQk ns fn;k gS] rk s og jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn ds pquko yM+us dk gdnkj
gksxkA
pquko vf/kdkjh ,ls s fdlh Hkh O;fDr ds ukekadu i= dks vLohdkj dj nsxk tks jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn ds pquko dh
vf/klwpuk dh frfFk ij fdlh Hkh fof/kK la?k ds inkf/kdkjh FkAs
-IV
izkjafHkd vkSj vfare ernkrk lwph ds izdk'ku ds le; ftUgksua s Hkkjrh; fof/kK ifj’kn fu;e [kaM 6 ds fu;e 40
ds rgr vf/koDrk dY;k.k dh lnL;rk jkf'k dk Hkqxrku ugha fd;k gS o s v;ksX; gSaA
LkR;kiu fu;e 2015 ds rgr xSj O;olkf;d vf/koDrkvks a dh lwph ds izdk'ku ds rqjar ckn izkjfaHkd ernkrk
lwph rS;kj dh tk,xhA
jkT; fof/kK ifj’kn }kjk xSj vf/koDrk O;olk; dh vf/koDrkvksa dh lwph izR;ds ckj ,lkfsl,'ku dks Hksth tk;sxh
vkSj fu;e 40 ds rgr vf/koDrk dY;k.k jkf'k Hkqxrku u djus ds ckjs esa Li’V #i ls mYys[k gksxk vkSj Mkd ds
ek/;e ls mDr O;fDr dk s Hkh Hksts tk;saxsA ;fn vf/koDrk u s Hkkjrh; fof/kK ifj’kn fu;e [kMa 6 ds fu;e 40 ds
rgr vf/koDrk dY;k.k dh lnL;rk jkf'k dk Hkqxrku ugha fd;k gS rks uksfVl ds izdk'ku dh rkjh[k ls 60 fnuks a
dh vof/k ds Hkhrj] mldk uke vf/koDrkvkas dh lwph ls gVk fn;k tk,xk vkSj mls jkT; fof|K ifj’kn~ ;k
fdlh vf/koDrk la?k ds ernkrkvks a dh lwph esa 'kkfey ugha fd;k tk,xkA ukfsVl dk izk:i Hkkjrh; fof|K
ifj’kn~ }kjk lHkh jkT; fof|K ifj’knks a dks Hkts k tk;sxkA
uksfVl ds bl rjg ds izdk'ku ds Li’V 160 fnuks a ds ckn] jkT; fof|K ifj’kn~ vafre ernkrk lwph izdkf'kr
djsxk ftles a mu lHkh vf/koDrkvks a ds uke gksaxs] ftUgsa Hkkjrh; fof|K ifj’kn~ lfVZfQdsV vkSj izSfDVl dk LFkku
¼lR;kiu½ fu;e] 2015 ds v/;k; -VI ds rgr xSj vH;kl dju s okys vf/koDrkvks a dh lwph es a 'kkfey ugha fd;k
x;k gS vkSj ftUgkasus Hkkjrh; fof|K ifj’kn~ ds fu;e ds Hkkx-VI v/;k; -II ds s fu;e 40 ds ds vuqlkj vko';d
dY;k.k jkf'k dk Hkqxrku dj fn;k gS vkSj ftUgksaus Hkkjrh; fof|K ifj’kn~ dk ijh{kk mRrh.kZ dh gSA ¼'krZ dk ;g
Hkkx dsoy mu O;fDr;ks a ij ykxw gksxk tk s 2010 ds ckn ukekafdr gq, gSA½ fdlh Hkh jkT; fof|K ifj’kn~ dk
pquko rc rd ugh a gks ldrk tc rd fd xSj&vH;kl djus okys vf/koDrkvkas dh lwph lR;kiu fu;ekas ds
vuqlkj vafre :i ls izdkf'kr ugha gk s tkrhA
lR;kiu fu;eks a ds rgr ;Fkk micaf/kr vafre ernkrk lwph ds izdk'ku ds ckn] ukekadu i= nkf[ky djus dh
frfFk pquko vf/kdkjh }kjk lekpkj i= ds lkFk lkFk fof|K ifj’kn ds uksfVl cksMZ ij izdkf'kr dh tk,xhA
fof|K ifj’kn uksfVl dh izfr lHkh vf/koDrk la?kks a dk s Hkh lwpukFkZ HkstsxhA gkykfad] bu fu;eks a ds rgr ukfsVl
dh fdlh Hkh vfu;ferrk ds vk/kkj ij fdlh Hkh pquko dks pqukSrh ugh a nh tk ldrh gS ;k voS/k ?kkfs’kr ugha
fd;k tk ldrk gSA v/;k; IV ernkrk lwph es a ernkrk dh rLohj ¼mlds uke ds foijhr½ dh fpidkbZ xbZ
¼LdSu dh xbZ½ izfr gksxh tks lR;kiu QkWeZ es a layXu QksVks ls yh tk,xhA
V
jkT; fof|K ifj’kn~ ds pquko ds fy, ukekda u 'kqYd izR;ds mEehnokj ls 30]000@& :i;s
gksxkA ukekda u 'kqYd okilh ugh gksxk vkSj bldk mi;kxs pquko ds [kpkZsa dks iwjk dju s ds fy, fd;k tk,xkA
'k’sk jkf'k] ;fn dkbs Z gks] jkT; fof|K ifj’kn~ dh ijkis dkjh fuf/k es a tek dh tk,xhA
jkT; fof|K ifj’kn~ dk pquko vafre ernkrk lwph ds izdk'ku dh
rkjh[k ls 60 fnuks a dh Hkhrj gksxkA rFkkfi] ;fn fdlh dkj.k ls 60 fnuksa dh bl vof/k ds Hkhrj pquko ugh a gkrs s
gSa] rks ernkrkvksa dh ubZ lwph rS;kj dh tk,xh] ftlesa mu lHkh u, ukekafdr vf/koDrkvksa ds uke 'kkfey gksaxs]
ftUgksus pquko vkSj pquko izfdz;k ds fy, u, flj s ls r; dh xbZ rkjh[k ls 75 fnu igy s ukekda u djk;k Fkk[भाग III—खण् ड 4] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 5
vkSj pquko dh izfdz;k u;s flj s ls izkjEHk gksxhA erx.kuk ernku iw.kZ gksus dh frfFk ls 15 fnuksa dh Hkhrj
vf/kekur% 'kq: gk s tk,xhA
lHkh jkT; fof|K ifj’kn~ tgk a rd laHko gk]s fxurh dh izfdz;k 'kq: gksu s ds fnu ls 30 fnuks a dh vof/k ds Hkhrj
lekIr djus dk iz;kl djsaxsA erx.kuk dk LFkku] le;] izfdz;k vkfn pquko vf/kdkjh vkSj lgk;d pquko
vf/kdkjh ds foods ij fuHkZj djsxkA
pquko vf/kdkjh eri=kas dh lqj{kk vkSj erx.kuk es a ikjnf'kZrk lqfuf'pr djsaxsA ysfdu lkFk gh] og eri=ks a vkSj
erx.kuk deZpkfj;ksa dks fdlh Hkh xSjdkuwuh lHkk] luqfpr ncko ;k xqaMkxnhZ ls cpkus ds fy, lHkh mi;qDr
mik; djsxkA ;fn vko';d gks rks og jkT; mPp U;k;ky; ds eq[; U;k;k/kh'k ds ek/;e ls mPp iqfyl
vf/kdkfj;kas dks fy[kdj LFkkuh; iqfyl dh enn y s ldrk gSA
VI
izR;sd jkT; fof|K ifj’kn~ ds fy, jkT; fof|K ifj’kn~ ds lnL;ksa ds pquko ds laca/k esa
fdlh Hkh fookn ls lacfa/kr fdlh Hkh pqukoh ;kfpdk ij fu.kZ; ysu s ds fy, ,d jkT; pquko U;k;kf/kdj.k gksxkA
bl U;k;kf/kdj.k dk usr`Ro mPp U;k;ky; ds iwoZ eq[; U;k;k/kh'k] mPp U;k;ky; ds iwoZ U;k;k/kh'k vkSj ofj’B
vf/koDrkvkas }kjk fd;k tk,xkA U;k;kf/kdj.k ds v/;{k vkSj lnL; fdlh vU; jkT; ls gksaxs] u fd ml jkT; ls
tgk a jkT; fof|K ifj’kn~ fLFkr gSA U;k;kf/kdj.k dk xBu Hkkjrh; fof|K ifj’kn~ ds vuqeksnu ls jkT; fof|K
ifj’kn~ }kjk fd;k tk,xkA
;g Li’V fd;k tkrk gS fd vU; jkT; dk vFkZ ,d U;k;k/kh'k ftldk LFkk;h fuokl ml jkT; es a ugha gS
tgk a jkT; fof|K ifj’kn~ fLFkr gSA ,d iwoZ eq[; U;k;k/kh'k ;k ,d iwoZ U;k;k/kh'k ftUgksusa iwoZ eq[; U;k;k/kh'k
;k iwoZ U;k;k/kh'k ds :i es a lsok fd Fkh] tgk a jkT; fof|K ifj’kn~ fLFkr gS] ysfdu fdlh vU; jkT; ls lacfa/kr
gS] mUgsa pquko vf/kdkjh ;k pquko U;k;kf/kdj.k ds v/;{k ds :i esa fu;qDr fd;k tk ldrk gSA
jkT; fof|K ifj’kn~ ds pquko vf/kdj.k }kjk ikfjr fdlh Hkh vkns'k ds f[kykQ Hkkjrh; fof|K ifj’kn~ ds pquko
U;k;kf/kdj.k ds le{k vfiy dh tk ldrh gSA Hkkjrh; fof|K ifj’kn~ pquko vf/kdj.k dh v/;{krk loksZPp
U;k;ky; ds ,d iwoZ U;k;k/kh'k }kjk fd tk;sxh vkSj bles a mPp U;k;ky; ds nks iwoZ U;k;k/kh'k vkSj nks ofj’B
vf/koDrk gksxa sA Hkkjrh; fof|K ifj’kn~ ekuuh; iwoZ U;k;k/kh'kks a vkSj ofj’B vf/koDrkvks a dh lgefr ysu s ds ckn]
pquko vf/kdj.k dk xBu djsxkA Hkkjrh; fof|K ifj’kn~ pquko vf/kdj.k dk fu.kZ; vfUre gksxkA ml
U;k;kf/kdj.k ds ikl pquko fookn esa fu.kZ; ysus dh 'kfDr gksxh vkSj tc Hkh ,ls k dju s dh vko';drk eglwl
gks] vUrfje vkns'k ikfjr dju s dh lHkh 'kfDr;k a gksxhA
bu fu;ekas ds izko/kku] jkT; fof|K ifj’kn~ vkSj Hkkjrh; fof|K ifj’kn~ ds
pqukok sa ds lac/a k es a Hkkjrh; fof|K ifj’kn~ ;k fdlh Hkh jkT; fof|K ifj’kn~ ds vU; lHkh fiNys fu;eks a ij
vf/kHkkoh izHkko MkysaxsA
bu fu;ekas ds vFkZ] O;k[;ku] fu’iknu ds laca/k ea dkbs Z lansg ;k fookn mRiUu gkus s
ij] ,ls s eqíksa dks fuiVku s dk vfUre vf/kdkj vkSj ml ij vfUre fu.kZ; ysus dk vf/kdkjh Hkkjrh; fof|K ifj’kn~
dk gksxkA
Jheark s lsu] lfpo
[जवज्ञापन-III/4/असा./286/2022-23]6 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART III—SEC.4]
BAR COUNCIL OF INDIA
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 20th September, 2022
Bar Council of India Uniform Rules (and Mandatory Guidelines) for the Elections of Bar Councils, 2016
Objects and Statements
In recent past the Bar Council of India has noticed some instances of mal-practice in the elections of State Bar
Councils. Similar in the case in the elections of member, Bar Council of India also.
The Council has been receiving frequent Election Petitions relating to election disputes.
The elections of State Bar Council of Chhattisgarh is the worst illustration where even the Hon’ble High Court, after
enquiry, found manipulations in the Ballot papers. In the elections of Member, Bar Council of India which takes place
in the State Bar Council, the Secretary of concerned State Bar Council acts as Returning Officer for such elections
which is also being questioned frequently. The disputes of election of member-representatives in Bar Council of India
came from Punjab & Haryana Bar Council, Kerala Bar Council, Madhya Pradesh Bar Council, Chhattisgarh Bar
Council. The matter of Madhya Pradesh Bar Council has gone upto High Court. It consumes a lot of valuable time of
Bar Council of India, moreover it leads to unnecessary controversies when such matters come for adjudication before
the Bar Council of India.
Therefore, the Council , in order to make the elections of State Bar Council fair and transparent, has framed these
Uniform Rules for elections of State Bar Council laying down the mandatory guidelines for the conduct of elections of
State Bar Councils and also of member, Bar Council of India from the State Bar Councils.
The Madras High Court has issued certain directions to the Bar Council of India for prescribing certain definite
requirement of length of practice for the eligibility to contest the elections of the State Bar Councils. The Council has
also been noticing that due to increase in the number of inexperienced and immature Advocates in the State Bar
Councils, the Bar Councils are unable to stop/curb the unnecessary calls for strikes, boycotts, abstentions etc. The
number of “non-practising Advocates” are increasing day by day in the Bar Councils. As a result the Bar Councils are
unable to discharge the functions assigned to it. Some of the Members of Bar Councils itself are involved in giving
frequent calls for strikes on baseless grounds causing serious harm to the reputation of the profession and irreparable
loss to the poor helpless litigants.
It has also been experienced that the persons who are office-bearers of any Bar Associations (a society registered
under the Society Registration Act, or an Association recognized by the State Bar Council or High Court or the local
District Court or Taluka Court), if elected as a Member of the State Bar Council, he starts taking undue advantage of
his position as a member of the State Bar Council.
Even on smaller issues of Bar Associations are made issues of entire State and many a times the calls for strikes,
boycotts, abstentions are given for whole State because of the issues/disputes of a particular Association. Not only
this, such office-bearers take undue advantage of their positions even in the elections of State Bar Councils. This
apart, such practice has been encouraging the attitude of groupism in the Associations.
In case of any election- dispute of Bar Association election coming before the Council in which any Bar Council
members have interest, such members succeed in applying their undue influence in the State Bar Councils to get the
dispute desided as they like Therefore, the Council has felt it necessary to stop such practice.
The office-bearers of any Bar Association would not be eligible to contest the elections of State Bar Councils.
However, the word “office-bearer” shall include Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Secretaries/General Secretaries only.
The office-bearers of lower office than the aforesaid posts shall be eligible to contest the elections of State Bar
Councils. Moreover, since the office-bearers of Supreme Court Bar Association are not supposed to indulge in the
election disputes of any local Bar Association and Supreme Court Bar Association has the members from throughout
the country, the office-bearers of Supreme Court Bar Association shall not be debarred from contesting the elections
of the State Bar Councils to which they are enrolled.
The Council has also framed a separate Rule for membership of Bar Councils. Therefore, there is an urgent need to
take steps for electoral reforms in the elections of State Bar Councils and member, Bar Council of India. And in view
of the aforesaid reasons, the Bar Council of India has framed the following Rules laying down the mandatory
guidelines for the elections to the State Bar Councils to be followed by them, and if need be to get their Rules
amended soon, so that no elections are held henceforth in violation of these Rules and Guidelines.[भाग III—खण् ड 4] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 7
CHAPTER I
1. Short Title
These Rules shall be called as the “Bar Council of India Uniform Rules (and Guidelines)for the elections of Bar
Councils, 2016.”
2 . Extent
These rules will be applicable to all the Bar Councils constituted under the Advocates Act 1961 and to all Advocates
whose names appear on the State rolls being maintained by the State Bar Councils under section 17 of the Advocates
Act, 1961.
3. Date of commencement
These rules shall come into force on the date of its publication in the Gazette of India.
4. Definitions
(a) Act means the Advocates Act, 1961.
(b) Advocate means as an advocate whose name is entered in the roll of Advocates being maintained by the State Bar
Councils under section 17 of the Advocates Act, 1961.
(c) State Bar Council means the State Bar Councils as defined under Section 3(1) (a) of the Advocates Act, 1961.
(d) A non-practicing Advocate means an Advocate enrolled with any State Bar Council, but not in actual practice of
Law and is engaged in some other public or private job, business, contract etc. not related to Legal profession: and
who has been so declared under Rule 13 and Rule 20.2 of BCI Certificate and Place of Practice(Verification) Rules,
2015 or whose name does not find place in Register (of verified Advocates) maintained in the State Bar Councils and
Bar Council of India.
(e) Fake Person is a person who is involved in practicing in Courts of Law/Tribunals or other Legal forums without
having a valid degree in law(without any enrolment in any state Bar Council) and appear in Courts, Tribunals or
Forums illegally posing as an Advocate.
(f) Bar Association:-The word Bar Association shall include any Association of Advocates, by whatsoever name it
may be known, which is either registered under the Society Registration Act or recognized by the State Bar council or
by the High Court or the Local(District or Taluka, sub-Divisional Courts) or by the Bar Council of India.
Office-Bearer of the Bar Association:- The word office-bearer shall mean and include the President, Vice-
President, General Secretary or Secretary or Secretary General of the Bar Association, but it will not include Joint
Secretary, Assistant Secretary or any other office-bearer. Provided that this restriction will not be applicable to the
office-bearers of Supreme Court Bar Association.
Chapter II
Returning Officer (R.O.):-
The Returning Officer to conduct the elections of any State Bar Council shall be a former Chief Justice of any High
Court or a former Judge of any High Court having atleast 7 years of experience preferably as a Judge of any High
Court. But if such Judges of other States are not available then Chief Justice or Judges of own State could be
appointed.
The R.O. shall be appointed/nominated by the State Bar Council with the approval of Bar Council of India.
Assistant Returning Officers (A. R. Os):-
There shall be two Assistant Returning Officers who shall be nominated by the State Bar Council with the approval of
Bar Council of India. These Assistant Returning Officers will preferably be Advocates of some other states having
standing of atleast 25 years; But if such Advocates are not available, the Advocates of same State could be appointed.
The team/personnel for conducting elections and counting of votes (ballots) shall be hired on the advice of R.O. from
some other State. The counting team should have sufficient experience of counting of preferential votes either of
Rajya Sabha elections or of State Bar Council elections.
In the elections of State Bar Council, every voter shall be required to exercise at least 5 preferences/options on their
ballot papers failing which the ballot may be declared invalid depending on the discretion of Returning Officer.
An Advocate shall not be eligible to contest the elections of any State Bar Council, if he has been convicted for an
offence involving moral turpitude.8 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART III—SEC.4]
Chapter III
Office-bearers of Bar Associations ineligible to be the members of Bar Council:-
An Advocate, who is an office-bearer of any Bar Association (except Supreme Court Bar Association) shall not be
eligible to contest the election of State Bar Council. However, if such office-bearer has already resigned from his post
before the date of notification of elections of State Bar Council, he shall be entitled to contest the elections of State
Bar Council.
The Returning Officer shall reject the nomination paper of any such persons who were/are office-bearers of any Bar
Association on the date of notification of elections of concerned State Bar Councils.
Chapter IV
Preliminary and final Electoral rolls/ Those who have not paid subscription amount of welfare u/R 40, Chapter
II of PART-VT of Bar Council of India Rules shall be Disqualified:
The preliminary electoral roll shall be prepared soon after publication of list of non-practicing Advocates under the
Verification Rules 2015.
The list of non-practicing Advocates shall be sent by the State Bar Council to every Bar Association and the notice
sent to individual through post shall mention clearly about the amount U/ R 40 to be paid by the Advocate and the
notice shall also mention that if the Advocate does not pay the dues U/ R 40 Chapter II of Part-VI of Bar Council of
India Rules, within a period of 60 days from the date of publication of notice, his name shall be removed from the roll
of Advocates and he shall not be included in the list of voters either of State Bar Council or of any Bar Association:
Format of notice to be sent by Bar Council of India to all the State Bar Councils.
After 160 clear days of such publication of notice, the State Bar Council shall publish the final electoral roll
containing the names of all those Advocates who have not been included in the list of Non- practicing Advocates
under Chapter VI of Bar Council of India Certificate and place of Practice (Verification ) Rules, 2015 and who have
cleared the welfare amount as required U/ R 40 Chapter II of Part-VI of Bar Council of India Rules. And those who
have passed All India Bar Examination. (This part of condition shall be applicable on only those persons who have
been enrolled after 2010). No election of any State Bar Council shall be held unless the list of non-practicing
Advocates is finally published as per Verification Rules.
After publication of final electoral roll as provided under Verification Rules, the date of filing of nomination paper
shall be published by the R.O. in newspaper as well as on the notice Boards of Bar Councils. The Bar Council shall
also send the copy of notice for information to all the Bar Association. However, no election can be challenged or
could be declared invalid merely on the ground of any irregularity of notice under these Rules.
Chapter V
The electoral roll shall contain affixed (scanned) copy of the photograph of the voter(opposite to his name) which
shall be taken from the photo attached in the verification form.
Nomination fee:-
The nomination fee for elections of the State Bar Councils shall be Rs. 30,000/- from each candidates. The nomination
fee shall be non-refundable and will be used for meeting the expenses of election. The remaining amount, if any, shall
be deposited in benevolent fund of State Bar Council.
Time frame for Election & couning:-
The election of State Bar Council shall be held within 60 days from the date of publication of final electoral roll.
However, if for any reason, the elections are not held within this period of 60 days, the fresh list of voters will be
prepared including the names of all newly enrolled Advocates who got enrolled 75 days before the date fixed afresh
for election and election process shall begin afresh. The counting shall begin preferably within 15 days from the date
of completion of voting.
All the State Bar Councils shall try as far as it is feasible and practicable, to conclude the process of counting within a
period of 30 days from the day it starts. The place, timings, procedure etc. of counting shall be discretion of R.O. and
A.R.Os.
The R.O. shall ensure full security, safety of ballot papers and transparency in the counting. But at the same time, he
shall take all suitable measures to protect the ballot papers and counting staff from any unlawful assembly, undue
pressure or hooliganism. If need be, he can seek the help of local police by writing to higher police officials through
the Chief Justice of High Court of State.[भाग III—खण् ड 4] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 9
Chapter VI
Election Tribunals:-
There shall be an State Election Tribunal to adjudicate any Election Petition relating to any disputes with regard to
elections of the members of State Bar Council for every State Bar Council. The Tribunal shall be headed by a former
Chief Justice of a High Court, a former Judge of a High Court and a Senior Advocate.
The Chairperson and members of the Tribunal shall be from some other State and not from the State where the State
Bar Council is situated. The Tribunal shall be constituted by the State Bar Council with the approval of Bar Council of
India.
Note:- It is made clear that other State means a Judge whose permanent residence is not in the State where the State
Bar Council situates. A former Judge of other State, who had served as Chief Justice or as a Judge of the High Court
where State Bar Council situates, but belongs to some other State, can be appointed as R.O. or Chairman of the State
Bar Council Election Tribunal.
An appeal shall lie to “Bar Council of India Election Tribunal” against any order passed by the Election Tribunal for
the State Bar Councils. The Bar Council of India Election Tribunal shall be headed by a former Judge of Supreme
Court and it shall consist of two former Judges of High Court(s) and two Senior Advocates.
The decision of Bar Council of India Election Tribunal shall be final. The Bar Council of India shall constitute the Bar
Council of India Election tribunal, after seeking the consent of Hon’ble former Judges and the senior Advocates.
The Tribunal shall have power to adjudicate in the election dispute and shall have all the powers to pass interim orders
whenever it feels the necessity to do so.
Miscellaneous
Rules to have overriding effect:-
The provisions of these Rules shall have overriding effect over all other previous Rules of Bar Council of India or of
any State Bar Council with regard to elections of State Bar Council and Bar Council of India.
Removal of difficulties
In case of any doubt or dispute as to the meaning, interpretation, execution of these Rules arises, the Bar Council of
India shall be the final authority to settle such issues and its decision thereon shall be final.
SRIMANTO SEN, Secy.
[ADVT.-III/4/Exty./286/2022-23]
Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064
and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.