The ongoing elections to the Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) have been thrown into turmoil after 67 candidates were placed under summary suspension for large-scale violations of the Model Code of Conduct and the Election Rules, 2023.

This includes two designated Senior Advocates, KK Manan and Ramesh Gupta.

In a strongly worded order issued on Sunday, the election committee said it had received and verified “incontrovertible evidence,” including field reports, documenting serious breaches near polling areas. The alleged violations include sloganeering in proximity to booths, distribution of campaign pamphlets, installation of tents and flex hoardings, and the deployment of unauthorised outsiders. 

Former Delhi High Court judge and the returning officer for the BCD polls, Justice Talwant Singh said that these actions caused physical obstruction to voters and disrupted the orderly conduct of the election.

“NOW, THEREFORE, in exercise of the plenary powers vested in the Election Committee to maintain the sanctity of the electoral process, the candidature of the following SIXTY SEVEN (67) CANDIDATES is hereby placed under SUMMARY SUSPENSION, with immediate effect,” the order stated. 

The suspended candidates can appeal against this order within 12 hours from now.

[Read list of suspended candidates here]