The Bar Council of India (BCI), on October 10 2025, has invoked its powers under Section 8A of the Advocates Act, 1961, to constitute a Special Committee for the Bar Council of Delhi, citing repeated delays and data discrepancies in the verification of advocates and preparation of the electoral roll.
The decision states that the present elected body of the Bar Council of Delhi stands dissolved with immediate effect, and all powers and functions of the Council will now vest in the newly constituted Special Committee.
The BCI noted that despite multiple extensions since June 28, 2023, and repeated directives, including communications dated November 5, 2024, and March 5, 2025, the Bar Council of Delhi failed to complete verification of advocates as required under the Bar Council of India Certificate and Place of Practice (Verification) Rules, 2015.
The BCI further noted that, as per the Supreme Court’s order in M. Vardhan Vs. Union of India & Anr. W.P. (C) No. 1319 of 2023, dated September 24, 2025, the elections are to all State Bar Councils to be completed by January 31, 2026. The BCI observed that the Election Committee constituted on October 8 2025, for Delhi did not show measurable progress, necessitating immediate intervention to ensure neutral, effective, and time-bound stewardship of verification and elections.
Accordingly, as per the direction and order of the competent authority, BCI issued the following orders-
1. The present Council ceases to function immediately. All elected members, office bearers, and committees stand dissolved.
2. The Election Committee formed on October 8, 2025, has withdrawn to prevent overlap; all election-related responsibilities now vest in the Special Committee.
3. A Special Committee for the State Bar Council of Delhi is constituted under Section 8A of the Advocates Act, 1961. The Committee shall comprise:
• Mr. Chetan Sharma, Additional Solicitor General of India- Chairman
• Mr. Maninder Singh, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court- Member
• Mr. Neeraj, Advocate and President, Central Delhi Court Bar Association- Member
4. The Committee shall exercise all powers and perform all functions of the Bar Council of Delhi. It will have charge of funds, staff, and records, and will oversee verification, preparation of the electoral roll, and the conduct of elections.
5. The Committee must continue and complete the verification process under the BCI Certificate and Place of Practice (Verification) Rules, 2015, and submit rectified data for May- September 30, 2025 by October 15, 2025, and for October 1–20, 2025 and latest, by October 22, 2025.
6. A short status report on verification and roll preparation must be filed by October 25, 2025, so that a consolidated report can be placed before the Supreme Court by October 31, 2025.
7. The Special Committee shall publish a draft electoral roll based on verified data and objections received up to October 31, 2025, and shall finalize the roll for notification of the election schedule. Polling, counting, and declaration of results shall be completed on or before January 31, 2026.
8. Existing staff shall continue under the administrative control of the Special Committee.
9. All ongoing proceedings, including disciplinary matters, welfare measures, and grievance redressal, shall continue without interruption under the supervision of the Special Committee.