SC extends deadline for Punjab and Haryana Bar Council election to April 30

Modifying the election schedule for Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana, the Supreme Court has ordered that election has to be concluded by April 30, 2026 instead of March 15, 2026.

“After hearing learned counsel for Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana, paragraph 12(III) of the order dated 18.11.2025 is modified to the extent that the entire election programme for State Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana, including the counting of votes and subsequent declaration of results, shall, in any case, be concluded by 30.04.2026, instead of 15.03.2026,” a bench led by CJI Surya Kant said in its December 3 order.

“The election may continue as per the schedule already notified on 10.11.2025 (i.e., before order dated 18.11.2025) was passed, subject to the above-modified timeline and the other directions of this court in order dated 18.11.2025,” it said disposing of an interlocutory application on the issue.

The bench was hearing the plea seeking modification of its November 18 order which revised the time schedule for holding of State Bar Council election across 16 states/UTs and ordered that the same be held in 5 phases between January 31, 2026 and April 30, 2026.