Elections for various bar associations are underway across Delhi, but not without complications.
While voting is proceeding smoothly in Dwarka and Rohini courts, elections in Saket and Karkardooma courts were abruptly canceled due to violent protests and disruptions by angry lawyers.
Saket Court Elections Canceled After Uproar
Voting for the Saket Bar Association elections, which were being conducted using ballot papers instead of the usual Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), was canceled following a major disruption.
Lawyers, frustrated by delays and confusion during the voting process, staged protests.
The situation escalated when an individual tore the slips from the ballot box, heightening tensions and causing widespread chaos.
“The atmosphere turned tense and uncontrollable,” said a witness at the Saket Court. “Angry lawyers started raising slogans and smashed the ballot box, which led to the cancellation of the voting process.”
As a result, the Election Commission decided to cancel the elections at Saket Court.
Despite the disruptions, officials secured the ballots already cast under surveillance to prevent any tampering.
Protests Erupt In Karkardooma Court
The chaos continued in East Delhi’s Karkardooma Court, where similar protests erupted during the Shahdara Bar Association elections. Lawyers here also raised objections to the election process, leading to another cancellation. The protests in Karkardooma mirrored those in Saket, as advocates voiced their dissatisfaction with the use of ballot papers and the delays in the voting process.
“Lawyers were furious and expressed their displeasure with the process,” said a Karkardooma Court insider. “The disruption became so severe that the election had to be called off.”
While Saket and Karkardooma courts faced significant disruptions, voting has continued without any issues in the Dwarka and Rohini courts.
Voters in these two locations have shown great enthusiasm, and the election process is proceeding smoothly and peacefully.
“Despite the issues elsewhere, the elections in Dwarka and Rohini are being conducted with full enthusiasm,” said an election official at Dwarka Court. “There have been no disruptions, and the process is moving forward without hindrance.”
Challenges With Ballot Paper Voting
This election cycle saw a shift from the usual EVM voting system to ballot paper voting in only two courts: Saket and Karkardooma.
This change seems to have triggered frustrations among lawyers, especially in the case of Saket Court, where 87 candidates were competing for 13 positions. Critics argue that the switch to ballot papers caused confusion and delays, contributing to the unrest.
The Election Commission has yet to comment on whether the use of ballot papers in these courts will continue in future elections.
After the cancellations in Saket and Karkardooma courts, the Election Commission will assess the situation and decide the next steps for these elections. Meanwhile, voting continues peacefully in Dwarka and Rohini, where the elections are proceeding as planned.
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