Seven in fray for Punjab and Haryana HC Bar body president post
Enhanced financial aid, upgraded infrastructure and greater empowerment of women candidates stand out as the key promises made by the seven contenders vying for the top post in the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association (HCBA) elections.
Set to take place on February 28, the HCBA elections will see approximately 5,030 advocates casting their votes for various office-bearer positions, including the coveted presidency.
In the fray for the top post are former president Vikas Malik, Sartej Singh Narula, Anil Pal Singh Shergill, Ravinder Singh Randhawa, Chouhan Satvinder Singh Sisodia, Nirbhay Garg and Kanu Sharma.
Candidates’ agenda
Sartej Singh Narula said his focus was on fostering a more inclusive and dynamic HCBA. He pledged to enhance infrastructure facilities and ensure better coordination between Bar members and the judiciary.
Ravinder Singh Randhawa says his plan was to introduce systematic reforms, including the establishment of dedicated committees for welfare measures. He proposed financial aid to lawyers from underprivileged backgrounds.
Anil Pal Singh Shergill places strong emphasis on transparency and inclusivity. He promises a 50 per cent reservation for women in senior advocate roles and judicial elevation, while also working to enhance the induction of young lawyers.
Kanu Sharma said the HCBA requires a leader with zero tolerance for corruption. She proposes measures to ensure safety for women lawyers and plans to subsidise meals, improve seating arrangements in courtrooms, and enhance working conditions for all members.
Chouhan Satvinder Singh Sisodia focussed on creating a respectful working environment, improved infrastructure, and financial aid up of Rs 50 lakh to 1 crore to the family of deceased lawyers
Former president Vikas Malik, meanwhile, pledged to abolish subscription fees for lawyers without active practice, create a dedicated Bar room for women advocates and infrastructure improvements.
Nirbhay Garg advocated for comprehensive welfare schemes, including subsidized food, enhanced medical and life insurance policies, and dedicated parking for lawyers.
Election fever
The elections will also witness keen conests for other key posts, including vice-president, secretary and joint secretary, with multiple candidates vying for leadership roles.
Polling will take place on February 28, with results likely to be declared on the same day.
Two ex-presidents vie for dist Bar body top post
The election of the District Bar Association (DBA) Chandigarh will see a contest between Sunil Toni and Ashok Chauhan for the post of the president. Both have previously been elected to the post
Advocate Poonam Thakur, Assistant Returning Officer for the election, said advocates Gagandeep Goel, Sandeep Gujjar and Gurdev Singh are contesting for the post of vice-president. The post of secretary, meanwhile, will witness a contest between Vivek Mohan Sharma and Amish Sharma. For the post of joint secretary, Pooja Diwan has already been declared winner unopposed. Four candidates Sunil Kumar Pandey, Balwant Singh, Ujwal Bhasin and Mandeep Singh are in the fray for the post of treasurer .
The election will be held on February 28.
