The West Bengal Bar Council electoral roll revision has triggered a storm in Kolkata’s legal circles. With less than two months left before the council elections scheduled for February 19, 2026, the names of over 17,000 members were deleted from the voter list. Prominent figures—including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, MP Saugata Roy, and Speaker Biman Banerjee—were among those excluded. The controversy has led to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Calcutta High Court, raising questions about fairness, legality, and transparency in professional self‑governance.
2. Bar Council Electoral Roll Revision: What Happened?
- The Bar Council published a revised electoral roll in late December 2025.
- Over 17,000 names were deleted, reducing the voter base to around 90,000.
- Petitioners argued that the deletions were arbitrary and targeted.
- They pointed out inconsistencies: if non‑practising lawyers were excluded, then the council chairman’s name should also have been removed.
- The council also increased the deposit fee for candidates from ₹30,000 to ₹1.2 lakh, raising concerns about accessibility.
3. Legal Challenge
- A group of affected lawyers filed a PIL in the Calcutta High Court.
- The case is expected to be heard in the first week of January 2026, after the court’s winter recess.
- Petitioners argue:
- The deletions violate principles of natural justice.
- The council acted beyond its powers.
- The hike in deposit fees discourages participation and favours wealthy candidates.
- The Bar Council of India (BCI), which monitors state councils, may intervene if irregularities are proven.
4. Governance Challenges
The controversy reflects:
- Transparency deficit in electoral roll management.
- Potential politicisation of professional bodies.
- Financial barriers to democratic participation.
- Trust deficit among members of the legal fraternity.
5. Government External Links for Assistance
- Bar Council of India: https://barcouncilofindia.org
- Supreme Court of India: https://main.sci.gov.in
- Government of West Bengal: https://wb.gov.in
- Ministry of Law & Justice: https://lawmin.gov.in
6. Historical Context of Bar Council Elections
- The Bar Council of West Bengal is one of the largest state councils in India.
- Elections determine a 21‑member executive committee.
- Historically, contests have been intense, with factions aligned to political parties.
- Past controversies include disputes over voter eligibility and fee structures.
- The current row is among the most significant in recent decades.
7. Community Impact
- Thousands of lawyers feel disenfranchised.
- Senior advocates worry about erosion of democratic norms.
- Younger lawyers fear exclusion from decision‑making.
- The controversy has created uncertainty about the legitimacy of the upcoming election.
8. Global Comparisons
Similar professional body disputes worldwide:
- UK: Law Society elections criticised for lack of transparency.
- USA: State Bar Associations face lawsuits over membership fees and eligibility.
- Pakistan: Bar Council elections often marred by political interference.
Kolkata’s case mirrors these global struggles where professional democracy collides with politics and governance gaps.
9. Governance Lessons
The Bar Council controversy teaches:
- Clear criteria for voter eligibility must be established.
- Independent oversight ensures fairness in professional elections.
- Financial accessibility is crucial for democratic participation.
- Judicial intervention remains a safeguard against arbitrary actions.
10. Future Outlook – Professional Democracy in India
India must move towards:
- Digitised electoral rolls with transparent verification.
- Affordable candidacy fees to encourage participation.
- Periodic audits of professional bodies by independent agencies.
- Dialogue platforms between councils and members to resolve disputes.
11. Conclusion
The West Bengal Bar Council electoral roll revision controversy is more than an internal dispute—it is a test of professional democracy in India. With thousands of lawyers excluded and deposit fees hiked, the legitimacy of the February 2026 elections hangs in the balance. For Bengal and India, the lesson is clear: democratic governance must extend beyond politics into professional institutions, ensuring fairness, transparency, and inclusivity.
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