The Bar Council of Delhi elections descended into turmoil after 67 candidates were summarily suspended for grave violations of the Model Code of Conduct. The election committee confirmed receiving “incontrovertible evidence,” including field reports, showing serious breaches near polling zones.
The ongoing Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) elections have been thrown into chaos following the summary suspension of 67 candidates due to serious violations of the Model Code of Conduct and the Election Rules of 2023.
Among those suspended are two senior advocates, KK Manan and Ramesh Gupta.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, the election committee revealed that it had obtained and validated incontrovertible evidence, including field reports that highlighted significant breaches near polling locations.
The reported violations include political slogans near voting booths, the distribution of campaign pamphlets, the setup of tents and flex hoardings, as well as the involvement of unauthorized outsiders.
Justice Talwant Singh, a former Delhi High Court judge and the returning officer for the BCD elections, stated that these actions impeded voters and disrupted the orderly conduct of the election.
The order affirmed,
“NOW, THEREFORE, in exercise of the plenary powers vested in the Election Committee to maintain the sanctity of the electoral process, the candidature of the following SIXTY SEVEN (67) CANDIDATES is hereby placed under SUMMARY SUSPENSION, with immediate effect,”
Suspended candidates have the right to appeal this decision within the next 12 hours.
The Returning Officer’s order outlined several specific infractions that prompted this severe action, which include:
- Illegal Campaigning: Widespread sloganeering near polling stations and the distribution of campaign pamphlets and materials.
- Unauthorized Infrastructure: The establishment of tents and the display of flex hoardings.
- External Interference: The presence of unauthorized individuals within the polling premises.
- Obstruction: Physical barriers created that hindered the movement of voters.
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