New Delhi, April 1(UNI) The Supreme Court on Tuesday stated that district bar associations in Haryana have been “pampered” by the state government with the lawyers' chambers now “hubs for property dealers” instead of being professional workspaces.

A bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh made the remarks while hearing a petition by an advocate who was disqualified from contesting the Karnal Bar Association elections.

The Court issued a notice in the case and sought recommendations from Senior Advocate RS Cheema on respected members who could temporarily oversee the association’s affairs.

The petitioner argued that his disqualification was arbitrary and violated his rights as a lawyer.

Senior Advocate Narender Hooda, representing him, said that the Bar Council of India (BCI) had stayed his disqualification order in February 2025.

However, a writ petition against this was swiftly allowed by the High Court on February 27—the very day it was listed—without issuing a notice of motion. The elections were then held on February 28.

Hooda further claimed that the original Returning Officer (RO) refused to conduct the elections due to the situation, leading to the appointment of a new RO, who declared four candidates elected unopposed without a single vote being cast.

"This is what the Bar Council seems to be interested in," Hooda remarked.

Expressing strong displeasure, Justice Surya Kant remarked: “These Bar Councils, especially this State Bar Council, have become a shameful association.”

When the issue of fund misappropriation in chamber construction—one of the reasons cited for the petitioner’s disqualification—was raised, Justice Kant responded sharply, “This allegation must be 100% correct. We do not doubt all in our mind that all office bearers… I have seen so many district bars, they are indulging… The Haryana government has pampered them, and they have spoiled them. These chambers have become hubs for property dealers. No serious professionals sit there!”

Justice Kant also questioned the State Bar Council’s conduct, remarking: “You are getting monthly, weekly extensions… and this is how you are performing?”

The Supreme Court issued a notice in the case and directed Senior Advocate RS Cheema to recommend experienced and respected members who could oversee the affairs of the Karnal Bar Association in the interim.

UNI SNG SSP