**Executive Summary**
This document is an election notification from the Bar Council of Gujarat, announcing the election of 23 members as per the rules and directions from the Supreme Court of India. The election is scheduled for Friday, March 6, 2026, with a detailed schedule provided for various pre-election activities, including the filing of nominations, scrutiny, and withdrawal of candidature. It also notes the need to fulfill a minimum number of seats from amongst advocates that have been on the State Roll for at least 10 years and the requirement to represent women in total seats.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Election Details:**
* The election is for 23 members of the Bar Council of Gujarat.
* The election will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, starting at 10:00 a.m.
* Counting will begin on Monday, March 9, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. until completion.
* **Schedule of Activities:**
* Preparation and Publication of Provisional Electoral Rolls: January 17, 2026.
* Inviting Objections to Electoral Rolls: January 18-24, 2026.
* Publication of Final Electoral Rolls: January 31, 2026.
* Filing of Nominations: February 1-7, 2026.
* Scrutiny of Nomination Documents: February 9, 2026.
* Publication of List of Candidates: February 10, 2026.
* Withdrawal of Candidature: Upto February 12, 2026.
* Publication of the Final List of Candidates: February 13, 2026.
* **Nomination Process:**
* Prescribed nomination forms can be obtained from the Bar Council of Gujarat office for Rs. 300/- in cash.
* Nomination papers should be delivered to the Returning Officers by February 7, 2026, before 5:00 p.m.
* Each nomination paper must be accompanied by a non-refundable sum of Rs. 1,25,000/- by Demand Draft or RTGS/NEFT by February 7, 2026, before 5:00 p.m.
* **Representation Requirements:**
* A minimum number of seats should be filled from advocates with at least 10 years on the State Roll.
* 30% of the total seats are required to be represented by women members of the Bar Association.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder**: Advocates eligible to vote and contest the election for the Bar Council of Gujarat
**Impact**: This notification sets out the procedures and timelines for the upcoming election, which governs their opportunity to participate in the Bar Council's governance.
**Action Required**:
* Eligible advocates need to be aware of the dates for electoral roll publication and for raising objections.
* Those intending to contest must obtain nomination forms, adhere to the nomination submission deadlines, and pay the required fee.
**Stakeholder**: The Bar Council of Gujarat and Election Officials
**Impact**: The notification outlines the responsibilities and schedule they must follow to ensure a fair and timely election.
**Action Required**:
* The Bar Council must adhere to the schedule for preparing and publishing electoral rolls and processing nominations.
* Election officials must conduct the election and counting process according to the rules and schedule laid out in the notification.
**Stakeholder**: Women Members of Bar Association
**Impact**: The election has impacts on women advocates who are interested in being represented.
**Action Required**:
* Contest the election so they are represented according to the rules set out in the document.
Key Entities Referenced
Bar Council of Gujarat: The primary entity involved in conducting the elections; the notification outlines the election schedule and rules for its members.
Advocates Act, 1961: The central legislation under which the election rules are framed.
Supreme Court of India: The orders from the Supreme Court are referenced, impacting the election, specifically related to reservation of seats for women.
Bar Council of India: The election rules are framed with approval from the Bar Council of India, and directives from them influence the composition of the Bar Council of Gujarat.
Gujarat: The location where the election of the Bar Council is happening.