Tripura Bar Council polls set for February 14 with 14 candidates contesting 11 seats. Three women advocates elected unopposed under 30% reservation rule. Polling to be held across 15 stations state-wide with preferential voting system in place.
The stage is set for the much-anticipated Tripura Bar Council elections, with 14 candidates contesting for 11 available posts in the new governing committee. The elections, scheduled to be held on February 14, are expected to witness significant participation from legal professionals across the state.
Returning Officer for the Tripura Bar Council Polls, Justice SC Das, addressed the media on Wednesday at the Bar Council office and outlined the key arrangements and guidelines for the electoral process. He confirmed that while elections will be conducted for 11 seats, three women advocates have already secured their positions unopposed in compliance with the mandated reservation policy.
“The elections will be conducted on February 14, with polling beginning at 7 am and continuing until 4 pm,” Justice Das said. He added that elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth and transparent voting process. A total of seven polling stations will be set up at the Agartala High Court premises, while eight additional polling stations will be established across district and subdivision headquarters.
According to Justice Das, polling stations outside the High Court premises have been strategically located in areas where more than 20 eligible voters are registered to cast their votes. This move aims to facilitate wider participation and reduce inconvenience for advocates practicing in different parts of the state.
Highlighting the voting procedure, Justice Das emphasized that the election will follow a preferential voting system. Each eligible voter will be required to cast a minimum of five preferential votes on their ballot paper. Failure to comply with the prescribed voting guidelines may result in the ballot being declared invalid.
“These elections are preferential in nature, and every voter must carefully mark at least five preferences. Voters must also handle the ballot paper with caution, as only one ballot will be issued per voter,” he said, urging advocates to strictly adhere to the code of conduct.
The reservation of 30 percent of seats for women advocates has been implemented in accordance with directions from the Supreme Court of India. Justice Das noted that when nominations were invited, only three female advocates submitted their papers. As a result, they were declared elected unopposed after approval from the High Power Election Committee.
“For the remaining 11 seats, a total of 14 candidates have filed their nomination papers, leading to a competitive electoral contest,” he added.
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The upcoming Tripura Bar Council elections are considered crucial for shaping the administrative and professional framework of the legal fraternity in the state. The newly elected committee will play a key role in addressing issues concerning advocates, professional ethics, and the overall development of legal institutions in Tripura.
With all arrangements in place and candidates actively campaigning, the legal community now awaits February 14, when advocates across Tripura will exercise their franchise to elect the new leadership of the Bar Council.
