Punjab and Haryana Bar Council Elections: Advocate Neha Jolly Kakkar Asserts Her Candidacy

Historic decision of 30% reservation for women in Bar Council elections generates enthusiasm among women advocates

The Voice of Chandigarh

Advocate Neha Jolly Kakkar has filed her nomination for the upcoming Punjab and Haryana Bar Council elections. Today was the last day for filing nominations. She submitted her papers to the Election Officer,  justice (Retired) Jayshree Thakur.

On this occasion, Neha Jolly Kakkar appealed to all Bar members to extend their support by giving her their first preference vote. She expressed confidence that the trust and cooperation of Bar members would inspire her to provide strong and effective leadership. She further affirmed her commitment to work consistently for the welfare of advocates and the strengthening of the Bar. After filing her nomination, she thanked all her colleagues and expressed hope for widespread support in the upcoming elections.

Advocate Neha Jolly Kakkar, who is contesting from a women’s reserved seat, previously served as the Joint Secretary of the District Bar Association, Jagadhri. During her tenure, she played an active role in resolving advocates’ issues and promoting women’s empowerment. She stated that her candidacy is driven by the goals of strengthening advocates’ rights, ensuring transparency, and enhancing women’s participation in the legal system.

30% Reservation for Women in Bar Council Elections Brings New Hope

It is noteworthy that this time, a historic and encouraging decision has been made for women advocates practicing in various district and sub-divisional courts across the region. Following a landmark judgment by the Supreme Court, 30% reservation for women has been introduced in the Punjab and Haryana Bar Council elections.

Under this, five women advocates will be elected as members of the Bar Council, while two women advocates will be co-opted. Out of the total 25 elected members, seven seats will be reserved for women.

Until now, there was no reservation for women in the Bar Council elections. This historic decision has opened a powerful opportunity for representation for women advocates. The decision came as a result of a petition filed by a woman advocate from Faridabad in the Supreme Court.

This development has created a wave of enthusiasm among women advocates across the state. Their long-standing demand has finally been fulfilled, paving the way for greater participation and leadership of women in the judicial system. Advocate Neha Jolly Kakkar remarked that this decision is not only a milestone for women advocates but also a significant step towards strengthening judicial democracy.

According to the election schedule announced by the Punjab and Haryana Bar Council:

• The election notification has already been issued.
• Nominations were to be filed by February 11,
• Scrutiny will be held on February 12,
• Withdrawal of nominations can be done on February 13.

After that, serial numbers will be allotted to the candidates, and voting will take place on March 17 and 18.