Lawyer Suspended After Alleged Misbehaviour With BCD Election Returning Officer Justice Talwant Singh
The Bar Council of India has placed advocate Deepak Tyagi under interim suspension following allegations of serious misconduct during the Bar Council of Delhi elections. The incident reportedly involved retired Justice Talwant Singh, who was serving as the Returning Officer.
Justice Singh had received complaints regarding alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct on polling day. He was proceeding towards the entry gate of the Delhi High Court to address the concerns when the incident is said to have taken place.
According to the Bar Council of India, Tyagi allegedly attempted to manhandle Justice Singh. It is further alleged that he provoked a group of lawyers present at the venue and raised slogans directed against the election machinery.
Taking note of the allegations, the Bar Council issued an immediate order of interim suspension. In a press statement, the body said, “Pending further proceedings, and having regard to the gravity of the allegations, the reported nature of the conduct, the availability of video footage, and the necessity of protecting both the disciplinary process and the election process, Shri Deepak Tyagi, Advocate, has been placed under interim suspension from practice, with immediate effect, subject to consideration by the competent Disciplinary Committee on first listing.”
The suspension will remain in force until the matter is examined by the appropriate Disciplinary Committee. The Bar Council clarified that the measure is temporary and subject to further scrutiny in accordance with due process.
In addition to the suspension, Tyagi has been restricted from entering or gathering near the vote-counting venue. The counting process is scheduled to begin on March 7. He has also been directed not to interfere in any manner with the counting proceedings.
The Bar Council has warned that any breach of these directions would be treated as an aggravating factor and may lead to further disciplinary consequences.
The action was initiated after the Bar Council received a suo motu complaint from the Special Committee of the Bar Council of Delhi. The complaint detailed the alleged events that occurred during the election process.
In its statement, the Bar Council emphasised the seriousness of the matter. It said, “Any misbehaviour with, attempted manhandling of, intimidation of, or interference with the Returning Officer or the election process during a statutory Bar election strikes at the dignity of the legal profession and the integrity of the electoral process. Such conduct, if established, would amount to grave professional and other misconduct under the Advocates Act, 1961 and the Bar Council of India Rules.”
The development highlights the strict standards expected of advocates, particularly during statutory elections that shape the governance of the legal profession.
