Lawyers Seek Enforcement of High Court Guidelines in Kanpur Bar Elections

Kanpur : A delegation of lawyers from the Kanpur Lawyers Association met Police Commissioner Akhil Kumar on Tuesday, urging him to ensure that the upcoming lawyers' elections are conducted strictly in accordance with the directives issued by the Allahabad High Court.

Leading the delegation, Pt. Ravindra Sharma, President of the Lawyers Association, submitted a memorandum outlining multiple violations of the High Court’s instructions, including the rampant use of hoardings, posters, and banners across the city, as well as the ongoing feast gatherings and parties in hotels, guest houses, and party lawns.

Sharma pointed out that the Allahabad High Court, responding to a petition filed by Amit Kumar and others, had earlier prohibited campaign-related promotional materials like banners, hoardings, and posters. The court also banned the hosting of feasts and parties to ensure the elections are free from undue influence, unfair expenditures, and to maintain the dignity of the legal community.

However, despite these explicit orders, Sharma alleged that numerous candidates are blatantly violating these directives. He stated that the city — especially around the Kanpur Court premises — has been flooded with campaign materials. Lavish parties, allegedly attended by individuals with questionable backgrounds, are being organized, raising concerns about the integrity of the election process.

“These acts not only defy the High Court’s instructions but also reflect an intentional display of wealth meant to discourage ordinary advocates from participating in the democratic process,” Sharma said. “Such practices degrade the image of the legal profession and create an unequal playing field.”

The memorandum demanded that the police administration immediately remove all unauthorized campaign materials and enforce a strict ban on feasts and gatherings. Sharma emphasized that these measures are essential to conduct the elections in a manner that upholds the honor and decorum of the legal fraternity.

In response, Commissioner Akhil Kumar assured the delegation that necessary action will be taken without delay. “We will act swiftly and ensure full compliance with the Hon’ble High Court’s directions,” he said, acknowledging the seriousness of the matter.

The delegation included senior advocates and respected members of the legal community, including Bhanu Pratap Dwivedi, Arvind Dixit, Prashant Shukla, Veer Joshi, Yogesh Kumar, Indresh Mishra, and Priyam Joshi, among others.

This proactive move by the legal representatives reflects a broader concern about maintaining transparency and ethical standards in professional elections. With the bar polls approaching, all eyes are now on the district administration to see how effectively it implements the judicial mandate.