The Bar Council of Delhi has issued a show cause notice dated 26 April 2026 to multiple advocates in connection with alleged incidents of misconduct that occurred during the Bar Council election process on 25 April 2026.
The Special Committee took cognisance of the minutes of the Election Committee meeting presided over by Retired Justice Talwant Singh, along with the Secretary’s report, regarding disturbances at S-Block. The Committee observed that certain candidates, advocates, and their authorised representatives engaged in unruly behaviour, including manhandling, pushing, and use of abusive language against the Returning Officer, Election Committee members, and counting staff.
The notice further records that such conduct not only obstructed access to the counting venue but also undermined the dignity and institutional integrity of the Delhi High Court premises. The Bar Council noted that despite having permitted use of the 6th and 7th floors of S-Block, the situation escalated into a public disruption, reflecting adversely on the legal fraternity.
Importantly, the Special Committee highlighted its obligation to complete the election process within the timeline mandated by the Supreme Court in V. Vardhan v. Union of India & Ors. (WP (C) No. 1319/2023), which requires the entire election exercise, including counting and declaration of results, to conclude by 28 February 2026. The disruption has, therefore, raised serious concerns about compliance with judicial timelines.
Upon reviewing video footage and physical identification (page 3), the Committee concluded that the noticees had engaged in conduct unbecoming of advocates, including acts that went viral on social media. The alleged actions were found to have obstructed the counting process, which was being undertaken as a pro bono duty for the legal community.
Consequently, the Bar Council has called upon the advocates to explain why disciplinary action should not be initiated under Section 35 of the Advocates Act, 1961, including possible suspension of their licence to practice for up to three years. Pending further proceedings, the noticees have been placed under interim suspension and restrained from entering the Delhi High Court premises until the declaration of election results.
The Advocates who are suspended are Rajiv Kumar Khosla; Shaily (Shailja) Tarar; Aarti Tyagi; Sangita Malhotra; Ramesh Chandra Singh; Anju Dixit; Vaibhav Jain; Jonali Biswas; Prakash Chandra Dwivedi; Shaheen Mansoori .
The advocates have been directed to submit their written responses within ten days and appear for a virtual hearing scheduled on 15 May 2026 at 4:00 PM. The notice also clarifies that failure to appear may result in ex parte proceedings.