The Delhi High Court criticised misuse of advocates’ contact data for election messaging, calling it a privacy breach professionals. A Bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia flagged harassment to Bar Council of Delhi polls.
NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court expressed its displeasure regarding the public disclosure of lawyers’ contact information, which has allegedly been misused by candidates contesting the Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) elections to send unsolicited campaign messages.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia commented that this invasion of lawyers’ privacy is unacceptable and that they are facing harassment and spam.
The Bench stated.
“This is not the way. You can’t encroach on people’s privacy. Individual lawyers are being harassed without their willingness. They have been included in WhatsApp groups without their consent,”
These observations were made while considering a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Advocate Shashank Singh, who claimed that the BCD has publicly disclosed the photographs, residential addresses, and mobile phone numbers of lawyers in its recently updated voter list.
The PIL warned that this practice poses harassment, profiling, and security risks to advocates, with many receiving calls and messages from unknown numbers for election campaigning.
Advocate T. Singhdev, representing the BCD, noted that the elections are scheduled for Saturday and that canvassing would soon conclude. He mentioned that candidates needed access to the voter list information for election purposes and claimed that lawyers’ details are generally available on various websites.
Nevertheless, the Bench asserted that the BCD has a duty to safeguard the privacy of lawyers.
Chief Justice Upadhyaya emphasized,
“You have to protect their right to privacy. You are making every detail public. You have to do something,”
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In conclusion, the Bench issued notices to the BCD, the Bar Council of India (BCI), and the Central government regarding the PIL, stating that it would be reviewed in two weeks.
Election schedule dates and voter identification norms
Earlier, on 29th January, the Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) had formally released a notification outlining the election schedule and voter identification norms for the upcoming Bar Council of Delhi Elections 2026. The notice is intended to streamline the electoral process and eliminate uncertainty regarding voter eligibility and access to polling stations at the Delhi High Court premises.
The notification was issued under the authority of Justice Talwant Singh, Former Judge of the Delhi High Court, who was appointed as the Returning Officer for the 2026 BCD elections. The directions aimed to ensure transparency, efficiency, and orderly conduct of the elections.
Election Dates and Polling Venue:
According to the official notice, polling for the Bar Council of Delhi elections will be conducted over three consecutive days:
- 20 February 2026
- 21 February 2026
- 22 February 2026
All voting will take place within the Delhi High Court complex, offering ease of access to advocates enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi. The decision to spread polling across multiple days appears to be a strategic measure to manage a large electorate and prevent overcrowding or disruption during voting.
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The central feature of the notification is the detailed clarification on identity requirements for entry into the polling area. The Returning Officer has stressed that identity verification is mandatory for all voters.
- Primary Identification Requirement
Advocates must carry a valid Bar Council of Delhi Identity Card to enter the polling area and cast their vote.
- Alternative Documents (If BCD ID Is Unavailable or Expired)
In situations where a voter does not possess a valid or current BCD Identity Card, the following alternatives will be accepted:
- Identity Card issued by any Bar Association in Delhi, or
- A proximity card reflecting the advocate’s enrolment number
These must be supported by any one of the following government-issued identity documents like Aadhaar Card, Voter Identity Card, Driving Licence or Passport
The notification dated 29 January 2026 reflects a proactive effort by the Bar Council of Delhi to conduct the 2026 elections in a fair, transparent, and dispute-free manner. By clearly defining election dates, polling arrangements, and voter identification requirements, the Council has taken significant steps to uphold democratic participation within the legal fraternity and strengthen institutional trust.