Haryana Prepares for Bar Council Elections with Comprehensive Administrative Framework
State machinery gears up for two-day polling exercise in March 2026 under Supreme Court directive
Chandigarh, December 26, 2024 — The Haryana government has set the wheels in motion for the upcoming elections to the Bar Council of Punjab & Haryana, scheduled for March 17-18, 2026. The electoral exercise, mandated under the Advocates Act, 1961, will see lawyers across the state cast their votes to elect representatives to the statutory body governing the legal profession.
Polling will be conducted in two phases—March 17, 2026 in Chandigarh, followed by district-level elections across Haryana on March 18, 2026. The elections are being expedited in compliance with a Supreme Court order dated December 3, 2025, aimed at ensuring uninterrupted democratic governance within the Bar Council.
Administrative Machinery Activated
Dr. Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary overseeing Home, Jails, Criminal Investigation and Administration of Justice Departments, has issued comprehensive directives to all Deputy Commissioners across the state. The instructions emphasize meticulous planning and execution to ensure a transparent and orderly electoral process.
Following a request from the Returning Officer of the Bar Council, officials from the Revenue Department will be deployed to supervise and manage the polling process. Deputy Commissioners have been tasked with coordinating timely deployment and ensuring seamless operations throughout the election period.
Key Preparations Underway
The state administration has outlined several critical areas requiring immediate attention. These include preparation of detailed polling schedules, compilation and verification of voter lists, identification and setting up of appropriate polling stations, and arrangement of necessary infrastructure and materials.
Special emphasis is being placed on security arrangements to maintain law and order during the polling days. Voter facilitation measures are being designed to ensure that every eligible advocate can exercise their franchise without hindrance. Real-time monitoring mechanisms will be established to address any challenges that may emerge during the process.
Commitment to Excellence
Dr. Sumira expressed the state government’s unwavering commitment to conducting the elections with the highest standards of integrity and efficiency. “The Haryana Government views this responsibility with the utmost seriousness. We are determined to leverage our proven administrative capabilities to make these Bar Council elections a model of transparency and fairness,” she stated.
The administration has assured full cooperation to the Returning Officer and emphasized creating a conducive environment for all participating advocates. The government’s experience in conducting various electoral exercises will be utilized to ensure smooth operations across all polling stations.
Constitutional Mandate
Bar Council elections are held every five years to elect representatives who regulate and govern the legal profession in their respective jurisdictions. The council plays a crucial role in maintaining professional standards, addressing grievances, and ensuring ethical practice among advocates.
The upcoming elections carry additional significance as they follow a Supreme Court directive, underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining democratic processes within professional bodies. The timely conduct of these elections will ensure continuity in the council’s functioning and its ability to serve the legal fraternity effectively.
As preparations intensify over the coming months, the Haryana government remains focused on delivering an electoral process that upholds democratic values and serves as a benchmark for similar exercises in the future.
