The Pune Bar Association (PBA) has decided to postpone its annual committee of office-bearers’ election by 15 days following the discovery of doubtful entries on the voters’ list. Concerns were raised by some lawyers regarding the delay in publishing the list and the presence of 1,837 names, prompting the Chief Electoral Officer to order a scrutiny process.
Doubts Over Voters’ List:
The postponement comes as a response to objections raised by lawyers who pointed out irregularities in the voters’ list, which was initially scheduled for release on January 31. The scrutiny panel identified 1,837 doubtful entries, leading to the decision to postpone the election.
Scrutiny and Revised Timeline:
Chief Electoral Officer Dadabhai Shete confirmed the delay, stating that the final voters’ list would be released on February 3. Objections can be submitted until February 8, and the finalized list is set to be published on February 12. Polling and vote counting are scheduled to take place on February 16.
Missing Enrollment Bill Books and Allegations:
Amid the scrutiny, it was revealed that some enrolment bill books were missing from the PBA office. Milind Pawar, a member of the scrutiny team, pointed out that some entries showed the same four names on receipts with matching signatures, raising suspicions. PBA president Ketan Kotawale admitted to the alleged theft of blank receipt books, leading to objections from lawyers and their supporters.
Legal Regulations and Denial:
Harshad Nimbalkar, ex-chairman and member of Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa, highlighted the Bar Council of India’s regulations of ‘One Bar, One Lawyer.’ He emphasized that lawyers should be associated with the court where they practice. Despite allegations and objections, PBA president Ketan Kotawale denied the missing receipt books and insisted that no malpractice or fake entries occurred.
Revised Election Date and Historical Significance:
The election, which is usually held on January 31 each year, has been postponed this year due to the scrutiny committee’s findings of alleged doubtful entries. The PBA, with a history spanning 75 years, is one of the oldest and most respected associations of lawyers.
