Bar Council of Delhi Elections 2026: Nomination Process Begins at Siri Fort
The Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) has officially started the nomination process for the upcoming elections, which is an important part of the democratic process that regulates one of the largest statutory bar councils in the country. The nomination process started on 17th January 2026 at the Office of the Bar Council of Delhi, 2/6, Siri Fort Institutional Area, Khel Gaon Marg, New Delhi – 110049. According to the official election notice published on 24th December 2025, all processes are being conducted as per the Advocates Act, 1961, and the rules framed thereunder, as regulated by the Supreme Court of India.
Background and Legal Authority
The schedule of elections has been framed as per the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India vide order dated 18th November 2025 passed in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 1319/2023, M. Varadhan versus Union of India & Ors. The notification of the elections was published in the newspapers on 27th December 2025.
Key Electoral Statistics & Reservation Criteria
The election will be held to fill a total of 25 seats in the Bar Council of Delhi.
Seats to be elected: 23
Seats to be co-opted: 02
Minimum seats for advocates with 10+ years on State Roll (as of 30.11.2025): 12
Minimum seats for Women Candidates: 5
These measures provide representation for both senior members of the bar and female advocates, thus ensuring diversity and experience within the council.
Procedure for Nominations & Financial Requirements
The nomination process is regulated by Rule 8 of the BCD Election Rules. The major requirements are as follows:
Event — Date(s) — Remarks
Provisional Electoral Roll Published – 10th January 2026 – For Public Verification
Final Electoral Roll Published – 17th January 2026 – Determines voter eligibility
Nomination Period – 17th–24th January 2026 – 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (Working days)
Scrutiny of Nominations – 25th & 27th January 2026
Eligible Candidates List Published – 28th January 2026 – On notice board & BCD website
Last Date for Withdrawal – 31st Jan 2026 (Till 3:00 PM)
Final Candidate List Published – 31st Jan 2026 (By 5:00 PM)
Other nomination rules:
Proposer & Seconder: Every candidate has to be proposed by one voter and seconded by another voter from the final electoral roll.
Nomination Form Cost: ₹5,000 (Rupees Five Thousand Only). A maximum of four forms will be issued per candidate.
Non-Refundable Nomination Fee: ₹1,25,000 (Rupees One Lakh Twenty-Five Thousand Only)
Mode of Payment: Only through Demand Draft/Banker’s Cheque in favour of “BAR COUNCIL OF DELHI ELECTION ACCOUNT” payable at Delhi. No ordinary cheques are accepted.
Submission: The nomination papers should reach the Secretary’s office at Siri Fort within the prescribed time, either personally, through an agent, or by registered post.
Mandatory Declarations & Undertakings
The nomination form contains extensive statements to be signed by the Candidate, Proposer, and Seconder, stating:
They are regular practitioners and not convicts.
They have not been punished by any Disciplinary Committee of BCD or BCI in the 9 months preceding the election.
They have valid certificates and degrees recognized by the government.
They are not hired as Handwriting Experts or as witnesses for the litigants.
They are qualified and do not have any disqualifications as per Chapter-I of the Bar Council of India Rules, 2023 (Notification No. BCI:D:3429/2023 dated 23.06.2023)
The declaration threatens that any attempt to hide facts could result in:
Disciplinary and criminal proceedings.
Cancellation of candidature.
Deletion of name from the State Roll.
A Call to the Legal Fraternity
Enforce strict adherence to nomination procedures and financial criteria.
Follow all the timelines that have been declared to avoid disqualification.
The Bar Council of Delhi has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the election is conducted in a transparent, fair, and orderly manner, fully in compliance with the statutory requirements and judicial directions. The legal community is eagerly looking forward to strong participation, which will strengthen the spirit of democracy in the bar. The official notification has been sent to the Ministry of Law & Justice, Supreme Court of India, Delhi High Court, District Judiciary, Bar Council of India, and all Bar Associations in Delhi.
LINK FOR THE BAR COUNCIL OF DELHI NOMINATIONS NOTICE IS ATTACHED AS FOLLOWS: https://delhibarcouncil.com/assets/Election_2026/Notice_Nomination.pdf
