Advocates Protest Over Voter List Irregularities in Allahabad High Court, Bar Association Office Closed Until July 1, General Meeting on July 2

Notification issued by Secretary of HCBA Allahabad Highcourt.

Prayagraj| June 18, 2025 - In a significant turn of events, the Allahabad High Court witnessed massive uproar today as several lawyers staged a protest against alleged irregularities in the recently published voter list for the upcoming Bar Association elections. The situation escalated after it was revealed that a large number of valid advocates' names were missing from the voter list issued by the Chief Election Officer of the High Court Bar Association (HCBA).

According to aggrieved advocates, the current electoral process appears biased, allegedly designed to benefit a selective group favored by the Chief Election Officer. Advocates claim that this manipulation is part of an effort to give undue advantage to certain candidates during the chamber allotment and other internal elections. The removal of numerous eligible voters from the final list has sparked widespread dissatisfaction and anger among the legal fraternity.

The situation intensified when a group of angry lawyers stormed the HCBA office, resulting in clashes with staff members. Reports of physical altercations and verbal abuse have emerged, leading to serious concerns among the association’s employees. Several employees expressed fear and submitted their grievances to the Adhyaksha (President) of the Bar Association. Some staff members reportedly sustained injuries during the incident.

Reacting to the volatile situation, the President of the Allahabad High Court Bar Association, after consulting with stakeholders, has ordered the closure of the Bar Association office till July 1, 2025, with a General Meeting (Aam Sabha) scheduled for July 2, 2025. All staff members have been granted leave until further notice.

During the general body meeting on July 2, discussions will be held on the conduct and impartiality of the current Chief Election Officer, as well as the role of the Law Minister in addressing these concerns within the Allahabad High Court premises. The meeting is expected to see strong participation from advocates seeking restoration of democratic processes and transparency in Bar Association affairs.

This protest has thrown light on growing unrest in legal institutions over internal governance and transparency, particularly at a time when credibility in legal elections is critical. The outcome of the July 2 meeting is likely to set the tone for further developments in the Allahabad High Court Bar Association.

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