Tripura Bar Council elections held peacefully across the state with 1,678 voters participating. Polling began at 9 AM under Supreme Court directions, with counting scheduled for February 21 in the presence of a High Power Committee and counting experts.
Polling for the Tripura Bar Council elections was conducted peacefully across the state on Friday, with voting commencing at 9 AM at multiple designated centres. Returning Officer Justice S C Das confirmed that the electoral process was progressing smoothly and in accordance with the directives of the Supreme Court of India.
Speaking to reporters at the premises of the Tripura High Court in Agartala, Justice Das stated that the voting process began on schedule and witnessed a gradual increase in voter turnout as the day progressed.
“Elections are being held peacefully. The polling started from 9 am in the morning. Initially, the voter turnout was less but after 10 am the number of voters in polling booths increased substantially,” he said.
Seven Polling Stations at High Court Premises
In Agartala, seven polling stations were set up within the High Court premises to facilitate smooth voting. According to Justice Das, voting was conducted simultaneously at all seven booths to ensure efficiency and avoid congestion.
“For Agartala, in High Court premises we have established seven polling stations. In all the stations, votes are being cast simultaneously,” he said.
Apart from Agartala, polling stations were established in key subdivisions across the state, including Bishalgarh, Sonamura, Udaipur, Belonia, Khowai, Kailashahar, Kamalpur, and Dharmanagar. Authorities ensured that each polling centre was equipped with trained officials and necessary arrangements for orderly conduct.
1,678 Voters to Elect 11 Council Members
The total number of eligible voters in the Tripura Bar Council elections stands at 1,678, with 1,191 voters registered in Agartala alone. A total of 11 candidates will be elected to the council through this electoral process.
Justice Das confirmed that Returning Officers, Polling Officers, and Observers were centrally appointed for all polling stations. He emphasized that the officials had undergone adequate training to ensure the integrity and transparency of the election.
“Returning Officers, Polling Officers and Observers had been appointed for all the stations centrally. All of them had been adequately trained,” he said.
Polling Till 4 PM; Ballots to Be Sealed After Completion
Polling was scheduled to continue until 4 PM. Authorities clarified that voters entering the polling booth premises before the stipulated closing time would be permitted to cast their votes, even if the process extended beyond 4 PM.
“The polls will continue till 4 PM. The voters who will enter the premises of the polling booths within 4 PM shall be allowed to cast their votes. And, when the polls are completed, RO and Polling officers shall seal the ballots,” Justice Das stated.
Once polling concludes, ballot papers will be sealed securely in the presence of designated officials to maintain transparency and accountability.
Supreme Court-Directed Elections in Second Phase
Justice Das further informed that the Tripura Bar Council elections are being conducted under the direction of the Supreme Court of India. Tripura is participating in the second phase of Bar Council elections, alongside Andhra Pradesh and Delhi.
“The elections are being conducted as per the direction of the Supreme Court. In Tripura elections are being held in the second phase along with Andhra Pradesh and Delhi,” he said.
High Power Committee to Oversee Counting
As per the schedule, a High Power Committee appointed by the Supreme Court, along with two counting experts, will arrive in Tripura on February 20. The counting of votes is set to begin on February 21 under their supervision.
“On February 20, the High Power Committee appointed by the Supreme Court and two counting experts will come. On February 21, the counting will start,” Justice Das added.
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The outcome of the elections will determine the composition of the Tripura Bar Council, which plays a crucial role in regulating legal practice and representing advocates across the state. With peaceful polling reported statewide, attention now turns to the counting process and the announcement of results.
