Pioneering Change: EVM Implementation and New Initiatives in District Bar Association Elections in Haryana 

Pink Booths for Panipat District Bar Association Elections

For the upcoming elections of the Panipat District Bar Association in Haryana, a total of five booths have been set up in the conference hall on the ground floor of the District and Sessions Court. These booths will house 25 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), with an additional five EVMs kept on standby. The trial run is scheduled for 8 am on Friday, 15 December.

During the voting period from 8:30 am to 5 pm, 2337 lawyers are expected to cast their votes, including 440 women lawyers who will be voting for the first time at the newly introduced pink booth. ARO Advocate Karan Pal claims that this initiative of a pink booth is a first of its kind in the country.

District Bar Association election Officer Rajesh Ahlawat conducted a meeting for 17 candidates contesting for various posts in the Bar elections, providing details about the use of EVMs. Candidates running for the position of Pradhan, including outgoing Pradhan Amit Kadyan, former Pradhan Rajneesh Trehan, and candidate Virendra Malik, are actively campaigning and promising improved facilities for lawyers throughout their tenure. Key agenda points for all candidates include ’’new lawyers’ amenities, chambers, parking arrangements, insurance, and security.’’

EVMs for Rohtak District Bar Association polls

On Tuesday, the Punjab and Haryana High Court mandated the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) for the Rohtak District Bar Association polls. To safeguard the integrity of the election process, a force of 30 SP office personnel, including judicial complex guards and women constables, will be deployed. The returning committee has invited District and Sessions Judge Sudesh Kumar Sharma to oversee the bar elections, and information about the use of EVMs has been provided to the candidates.

Returning Officer Ram Narain Saini stated that a request for EVMs for the polls was made to state election authorities through Rohtak DC. As a contingency plan, arrangements for ballot papers have also been initiated. The High Court's directive to use EVMs came after a writ petition filed by advocate Anil Sharma, a contender for the president post. Saini mentioned that 100 bar members were removed from the voter list due to non-compliance with criteria, including 79 lawyers being members of bar councils from other states. The voters' list now includes 3,249 bar members, and efforts will be made to ensure a free and fair election process.