CWP-27362-2026 -1- IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 238 CWP-27362-2026 Date of Decision: 03.09.2026 GUNJAN BHARDWAJ …..PETITIONER Vs. THE BAR COUNCIL OF INDIA AND OTHERS …..RESPONDENTS CORAM: HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE SUVIR SEHGAL HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE RAJESH GAUR Present: Mr. Santosh K. Tripathi, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. B. S. Rana, Senior Advocate with Mr. Nayandeep Rana, Advocate for respondent-Bar Council. ***** SUVIR SEHGAL, J. (ORAL) 1. Mr. B.S. Rana, learned Senior counsel for the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana, has placed on record a copy of referrence bearing No. 1526 to 1531/2026 dated 06.07.2026. He submits that in compliance of the directions passed by Hon’ble the Supreme Court, some posts have been reserved for women. In particular, reference has been made to the following paragraphs of the letter :- “After due consideration and in faithful compliance with the directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court, it is hereby directed that 30% of the posts of Office-Bearers and Executive Members in every Bar Association shall stand reserved for women advocates. Every Bar Association shall ensure that its election process, nomination process and final constitution of the Executive Committee strictly conforms to this requirement. Any election conducted in violation of the said mandate shall be liable to appropriate action under the Rules and applicable law. PRIYANKA 2026.09.09 14:29 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CWP-27362-2026 -2- In order to comply with the 30% representation/reservation directives, it is deemed appropriate to create additional post of Vice President (Women) and reserve post of either Joint Secretary or Librarian for ladies and create additional post of ladies executive member to the extent of 30% of total numbers of executive members. All the Presidents, Vice Presidents, Secretaries, Returning Officers and Election Committees are, therefore, requested to ensure meticulous compliance with: 1. The Election Schedule dated 11.06.2026; 2. The provisions of The Bar Association (Constitution and Registration Rules, 2015, as amended; 3. The principle of "One Vote-One Bar"; 4. The mandatory requirement of 30% representation of women members of the Bar in the posts of Office-Bearers and Executive Members; and 5. All directions issued by the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana and the Bar Council of India. This communication may be treated as final and binding. Any failure to comply shall invite immediate action by the Bar Council, including appointment of an Adhoc Committee to conduct the elections and such other action as may be permissible under law. The receipt of this communication shall be acknowledged immediately.” 2. In view of the above, the writ petition has become infructuous and is accordingly dismissed as such. 3. Pending miscellaneous application(s), if any, shall also stand disposed of. (SUVIR SEHGAL) JUDGE (RAJESH GAUR) JUDGE 03.09.2026 pry Whether speaking/reasoned : Yes/No Whether reportable : Yes/No PRIYANKA 2026.09.09 14:29 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document