The Bar Council of India (BCI) has directed all Bar Associations in Punjab and Haryana to halt their elections until the completion of the State Bar Council elections being supervised by the Supreme Court-appointed High-Powered Election Committee. This step follows disputes and requests from associations, including the District Bar Association, Jind, seeking clarity on holding elections as their terms expire.

The BCI clarified that Rule 32 remains in force, allowing the current State Bar Council members to continue routine functions, while the High-Powered Committee oversees only the election process. To avoid controversy and ensure a neutral atmosphere, all Bar Association elections whether proposed or already notified but not yet polled must remain in abeyance. Existing office bearers will function in a caretaker capacity.

The Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana has been asked to issue a circular enforcing this embargo and to submit a compliance report to the BCI and the Election Committee within ten days.

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