Supreme Court: Special Committee to Review Request for More Voting Booths in Delhi Bar Council Elections

Quick Summary: Surendar Kumar filed a request asking for more places to vote during the Delhi Bar Council elections because of overcrowding problems. The court has asked a Special Committee to look into this request.

Petitioner's Request for More Voting Locations

Surendar Kumar, who made the request, wants the Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) to set up voting booths in different district courts around Delhi. The elections are planned for February 13 and 14, 2026. With over 105,000 people allowed to vote, he argues that having the elections only at the Delhi High Court causes overcrowding and long lines, making it difficult for lawyers to vote and attend court.

Supreme Court's Timeline for Bar Council Elections

The Supreme Court, in an order from September 24, 2025, said that all State Bar Council elections should be finished by January 31, 2026. The BCD shared a tentative schedule on October 9, 2025, for elections to be held in February 2026. Surendar Kumar thinks that having voting in district courts would reduce crowding and make the voting process better.

"Managing so many people and vehicles is impossible, and it will affect voting in a fair way."

Supreme Court's Election Guidelines

The Supreme Court has given a detailed timeline for the election process, focusing on timely and fair elections. It also set up High-Powered Election Committees to oversee the elections and make sure they are transparent. For Delhi, a Special Committee has been formed to supervise the elections.

Special Committee's Role

The Special Committee for Delhi, led by Mr. Chetan Sharma, Additional Solicitor General of India, has the power to manage the elections. The committee is expected to look into Surendar Kumar's request and decide if it's possible to set up more voting booths in district courts.

Court's Decision on the Petition

Justice Mini Pushkarna said that Surendar Kumar's request should be treated as a suggestion to the Special Committee. The committee has been told to consider the request and make a decision within three weeks from December 3, 2025.

"No civil court or High Court shall accept any petition against such decision."

Summary of the Verdict

The court has recognized the issues brought up by Surendar Kumar and has asked the Special Committee to address them. The committee's decision will aim to balance the need for fair elections with the logistical challenges in Delhi.