The Supreme Court comprising the bench of Justice Surya Kant, Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh has directed the Bar Council of India (BCI) to ensure that all state bar elections are held & concluded latest by 31.01.2026.
The direction comes in view of the fact that elections in several states have not been conducted for decades, leading to prolonged delays in the democratic functioning of these statutory bodies.
During the hearing, the Court heard submissions from senior counsel Dr. Guru Krishna Kumar, representing the Bar Council of India. The bench emphasized that democratic elections of State Bar Councils are essential for the proper representation and regulation of the legal profession.
The Court clarified that the elections must be conducted either simultaneously across states or, at the very least, in a phased manner, ensuring that no state is left behind.
The Court has further cautioned that any reluctance or failure on the part of any State Bar Council to comply with its direction will invite strict scrutiny. In such a case, the Bar Council of India has been instructed to submit a status report by October 31, 2025. Based on the report, the Court will decide on appropriate measures to be taken against defaulting State Bar Councils.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on October 17, 2025, when the Court will review the progress and compliance steps undertaken by the Bar Council of India.
Case Details
Case Title: M. Varadhan Versus UOI
Case No.: Writ Petition(s)(Civil) No(s).1319/2023
Date: 24-09-2025
