The Supreme Court on Monday declined to permit certain candidates to contest the upcoming Maharashtra Bar Council elections, noting that the ballot papers had already been printed and distributed and that the voting process was imminent.

During the hearing, the petitioners argued that a rule disqualifying office-bearers of Bar Associations from contesting Bar Council elections had been amended after the court’s earlier hearing, making them eligible to contest. Counsel submitted that the amendment was introduced a day after the hearing, and that the petitioners should therefore be allowed to participate in the election.

SC Directs BCI to Reconsider and Amend Rule Debarring Bar Association Office Bearers from Contesting Elections

Read at- https://thebarbulletin.com/supreme-court-bci-bar-association-election-rule/

However, the bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi pointed out that the election process had already reached an advanced stage, with ballot papers printed and distributed across hundreds of polling centres ahead of the March 24 voting date.

“Even though you may have some claim to contest the election, the ballot papers have already been printed and distributed. At this stage, it will create logistical complications.”

The Bench observed that disturbing the election process at such a late stage would amount to unnecessary judicial interference in an ongoing electoral process.

“With great difficulty we have ensured that this election is held. We do not want to disturb the process now.”

The Court acknowledged that the petitioners’ grievance regarding the amended rule might have merit but held that it was too late to alter the ballot or election process. In a lighter remark, CJI said:

“This time you be the kingmaker instead of the king.”

The Court also noted that if the petitioners believe their nominations were wrongly rejected, they may pursue the appropriate remedy through an election petition after the polls.

The elections to the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa are scheduled to take place on March 24, 2026, with voting to be conducted across approximately 400 centres, including two Union Territories.