The Bar Council of India has dissolved the Bar Council of Delhi and constituted a 3-member special committee to oversee its functions and conduct fresh elections by January 31, 2026.
The decision comes after repeated delays by the BCD in verifying advocates and preparing the electoral rolls, despite multiple extensions and directions from the BCI.
Special Committee To Oversee BCD Affairs
In a letter issued on October 10, the BCI announced that Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma will head the special committee as chairperson. The other two members are Senior Advocate Maninder Singh and Advocate Neeraj, President of the Central Delhi Court Bar Association.
The BCI clarified that the committee will have full administrative control over the BCD’s funds, staff, and records and will be responsible for ensuring that elections are conducted on time in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directions.
“These directions are intended to restore compliance with binding judicial orders to secure accurate verification and to ensure that the electorate of Delhi is represented by a lawfully elected Council by 31.01.2026 on the basis of a verified and reliable roll. The measure is curative and time bound,” the BCI said in its order.
Repeated Delays and Non-Compliance Cited
The BCI stated that the decision followed persistent discrepancies, delays, and non-compliance by the BCD, even after receiving successive extensions and advisories since June 2023.
The BCD’s tenure was initially extended in June 2023 for 6 months due to COVID-related disruptions. Additional time was later granted to complete the mandatory verification of advocates’ degrees and certificates, as required by the Supreme Court.
However, the BCI said the BCD failed to meet deadlines for submitting verified data and rectifying inconsistencies, despite being reminded again in November 2024 and March 2025.
BCI Warns Against Non-Cooperation
In its communication, the BCI warned that any obstruction or non-cooperation from the existing council members or staff would be treated seriously. It directed that all current staff of the BCD will continue to function under the control of the Special Committee, which will also handle disciplinary and welfare matters without disruption.
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