The Supreme Court has asked the Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia-led committee to consider a plea seeking deferment of the Kerala State Bar Council elections. The request cites the Kerala High Court’s summer vacation and the likely announcement of State Assembly elections.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked a high-powered election panel, headed by former apex court judge Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, to examine a plea seeking postponement of the Kerala State Bar Council elections.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi took note of the request to defer the elections in light of the upcoming summer vacation of the Kerala High Court.
The Court was informed that the High Court’s summer vacation will begin on April 10. It was also brought to the notice of the Bench that the State Assembly elections are likely to be announced soon, which may affect the smooth conduct of the Bar Council polls.
After hearing the submissions, the CJI directed the High-Powered Election Supervisory Committee to consider the request for postponement. According to the schedule earlier fixed by the Supreme Court, the Kerala State Bar Council elections must be completed before April 30.
The Supreme Court had earlier constituted the “High-Powered Election Supervisory Committee” to oversee and supervise the conduct of elections to various State Bar Councils, including Kerala.
ALSO READ: Bar Council of Kerala Declares Protest Against Proposed Hike in Court fees
The committee is headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia. Other members of the panel include Justice Ravi Shankar Jha, former Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, and senior advocate V. Giri.
The issue of postponement has now been left to the committee’s consideration. The panel will review the request in light of the High Court vacation schedule and the possible announcement of the State Assembly elections.
ALSO READ: Kerala Bar Council Raises Concerns Over Treatment of Lawyer by High Court Judge
The development is significant as Bar Council elections are crucial for the legal fraternity. The State Bar Councils are responsible for regulating the legal profession at the state level, enrolling advocates, and ensuring professional standards.
With the Supreme Court’s direction, the Dhulia-led panel will now decide whether the elections should go ahead as scheduled or be postponed considering the circumstances presented before the Court.
Click Here to Read More Reports on Kerala Bar Council
