The election committee responsible for the conduct of the Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) elections has withdrawn the suspension of as many as 63 candidates who received notices yesterday for violation of the model code of conduct and the election rules.

In a communication issued on Monday morning, the election committee stated that notice of suspension had been issued to 79 candidates and after 63 of them submitted their explanations, the notices against them have been withdrawn.

"Remaining 16 candidates have been given 12 hours' further time to respond to the Notices," the election committee said.

Bar & Bench had on Sunday reported the summary suspension of 67 candidates for poll code violation. This includes two designated Senior Advocates - KK Manan and Ramesh Gupta. The number later went up to 79 after election watchers received evidence of candidates/their supporters flouting the regulations.

In a strongly worded order issued on Sunday, the election committee had 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.

[Read BCI Notice]