The Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) election process faced disruption on Sunday after the Election Committee summarily suspended 67 candidates. The committee said it acted due to large-scale violations of the Model Code of Conduct and the Election Rules, 2023.
Notably, the suspended list includes two designated Senior Advocates—K.K. Manan and Ramesh Gupta.
“Incontrovertible evidence,” says Election Committee
In its order, the Election Committee said it received and verified “incontrovertible evidence” of serious breaches near polling areas. It relied on field reports and other material to reach the conclusion.
According to the committee, the alleged violations included:
- sloganeering near polling booths,
- distribution of campaign pamphlets,
- putting up tents and flex hoardings, and
- bringing unauthorised outsiders to polling locations.
Returning Officer cites obstruction to voters
The Returning Officer, Justice Talwant Singh (former Delhi High Court judge), recorded that these actions obstructed voters and affected orderly polling. He noted that the conduct interfered with the smooth election process.
Suspension order and appeal window
Quoting the operative portion, the order states that the Election Committee exercised its plenary powers to protect the sanctity of the electoral process. It then placed the candidature of 67 candidates under summary suspension with immediate effect.
However, the suspended candidates can file an appeal within 12 hours from the issuance of the order.
The Election Committee said it circulated the list of suspended candidates separately.
