Court reiterates Supreme Court directives to maintain decorum in High Court premises; warns candidates of disqualification for violations and orders inquiry into election conduct
Lucknow, September 18, 2026: In a significant judgment aimed at preserving the sanctity and dignity of court premises during elections, the Allahabad High Court (Division Bench, Lucknow) has reiterated strict guidelines regulating the conduct of candidates contesting for the governing body of the Oudh Bar Association for the year 2026-27. The bench comprising Justices Rajan Roy and Manjive Shukla passed these directions in Public Interest Litigation No. 177 of 2026, emphasizing the need to avoid any activity that disrupts the peaceful functioning of the High Court premises.
The Court observed with concern that certain candidates were pasting stickers, posters, and banners inside and outside the High Court premises at Lucknow, actions which not only marred the aesthetics but also violated established norms. The Court referred to prior directions approved by the Supreme Court in the landmark case of Amit Sachan v. Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh (AIR OnLine 2021 SC 1260), which prohibited canvassing through distribution of visiting cards, pamphlets, posters, and handing out lunch or refreshments during elections.
Highlighting the importance of decorum, the Court underscored that processions, slogans, loudspeakers, and other forms of disruptive behavior have no place within the court premises, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling in R. Muthukrishnan v. Registrar General, High Court of Judicature of Madras (2019) 16 SCC 407. It reminded that the Bar Council’s failure to regulate such conduct may compel courts to supervise election processes directly.
To ensure compliance, the Court directed the Senior Registrar of the High Court to conduct an inquiry, including photographic and video evidence, documenting any posters or stickers affixed to the High Court premises. A report with names and details of offending candidates must be submitted promptly.
Candidates were instructed to immediately remove any such materials failing which they risk disqualification from the election and other disciplinary actions. The Court explicitly prohibited any candidate from organizing processions within the court, distributing food items, or circulating handbills and pamphlets inside the High Court compound and within a 100-meter radius outside.
Violations of these orders would not only lead to debarring from contesting elections but may also result in references to the Bar Council or other appropriate sanctions by the Court.
The Court also welcomed suggestions from Bar members, including the “Know Your Candidate” program that facilitates informed voting by allowing candidates to address the members. The Returning Officer for the elections agreed to consider continuing this initiative. Additionally, the possibility of using Bar Association funds to provide edibles to voters on election day, rather than candidates making such arrangements, will be explored.
This judgment reiterates the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining the dignity and decorum of court premises during elections and ensuring that the election process is free from undue influence or disturbances.
Bottom Line:
Bar Association Elections - High Court reiterated earlier approved directions regulating conduct of Oudh Bar Association elections - Candidates restrained from pasting posters/stickers, taking out processions, distributing food items, handbills and pamphlets in and around High Court premises - Violation may entail debarring from contesting election and other disciplinary consequences - Senior Registrar directed to conduct inquiry and submit report.
Statutory provision(s):
Bar Association Elections.
Mithlesh Srivastava v. Oudh Bar Association, (Allahabad)(DB)(Lucknow) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2983408
