Bar council election issue today came up for hearing before lordships Anitha Sumanth and C kumarappan Lord Shiv ordered notice to the R1 and R2 who is the secretary Bar Council of Tamilnadu Puducherry and the chairman Bar Council of India written returnable by 4 weeks advocate Selvakumar appeared petitioner in person

[30/10, 12:15] Sekarreporter: [30/10, 11:40] Devar Madurai: therefore most humbly prayed that this Hon’ble Court may be pleased to Issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the 1st respondent, the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, to conduct an immediate inquiry into the registration status, statutory compliance, and lawful functioning of all Bar Associations recognized by it and Direct the 1st respondent to withhold preparation or publication of the electoral roll for Bar Council elections until such verification is completed and further Direct the 2nd respondent, the Bar Council of India, to issue appropriate supervisory directions to ensure uniform enforcement of statutory compliance across all State Bar Councils; based on my representation made to the respondents herein on 14.10.2025 Pass such further or other orders as this Hon’ble Court may deem fit and proper in the circumstances of the case and thus render justice.
[30/10, 11:44] Devar Madurai: WP(MD)No30839/2025 before Madurai before Madras High Court, today came up for hearing before lordships Anitha Sumanth and C kumarappan Lord Shiv ordered notice to the R1 and R2 who is the secretary Bar Council of Tamilnadu Puducherry and the chairman Bar Council of India written returnable by 4 weeks advocate Selvakumar appeared petitioner in person
[30/10, 12:18] Sekarreporter: From Date : 14/10/2025

ADVOCATE. C. SELVAKUMAR
Enrollment no: 1085/2022
North Street, Managiri,
Madurai – 625020.
Ph: 9750122669
Email: selvadevandran@gmail.com
To
1. The Hon’ble Chairman and Secretary,
Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry,
High Court Campus,
Chennai – 600104.
2. The Hon’ble Chairman
Bar Council of India
21, Rouse Avenue Institutional Area,
Near Bal Bhawan,
New Delhi – 110 002.

Subject: Representation regarding the statutory compliance, registration, and lawful functioning of Bar Associations recognized by the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry — Request for immediate inquiry and for preparation of electoral roll only after verification.
Respected Sir/Madam,
I, Advocate C. Selvakumar, residing at the above address and practising before the Hon’ble Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, most respectfully submit the following representation for your kind consideration.
I am a member of the Madurai Bench High Court Advocates Association. In connection with a dispute that arose within the said Association, I had occasion to file a case before the Hon’ble Madurai Bench of Madras High Court. During those proceedings, it came to light that although the Association is registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975, it has not complied with the statutory mandates for more than seven years — particularly the filing of annual returns, audited statements, and resolutions before the Registrar of Societies as required under Sections 16, 34, and 35 of the said Act.
Such prolonged non-compliance makes the functioning of the Association contrary to law and devoid of legal validity. Recognition of such associations by the Bar Council, despite their failure to observe statutory procedures, would not only be irregular but would also indirectly encourage violations of law, which affects the discipline and sanctity of the legal profession.
Further, it is reliably learnt that several Bar Associations across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, though registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, are functioning without following statutory requirements. Some of these associations also appear to operate along caste-based or sectarian lines, which is wholly inconsistent with the principles of the Advocates Act, 1961, the Bar Council of India Rules, and Article 14 of the Constitution of India, which guarantee equality and prohibit discrimination in any form within the legal community.
In view of the above, I most humbly request that the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry be pleased to:
1. Conduct an immediate inquiry into the registration status, annual compliance, and lawful functioning of all Bar Associations recognized by the Council;
2. Take necessary action against those associations that are found to be in violation of the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act or the Advocates Act, 1961; and
3. Prepare and publish the electoral roll of the Bar Council only after such verification, so as to ensure that only lawfully constituted and compliant associations participate in the election process.
This step is essential to uphold the integrity, equality, and transparency within the legal fraternity and to ensure that the Bar Council’s recognition is extended only to associations that function strictly in accordance with law.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,

Advocate C. Selvakumar

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
(Madurai Bench)
W.P.(MD) No. of 2025

ADVOCATE. C. SELVAKUMAR
Enrollment no: 1085/2022
North Street, Managiri,
Madurai – 625020. —– Petitioner
Vs
1. The Secretary,
Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry,
High Court Campus,
Chennai – 600104.
2. The Hon’ble Chairman,
Bar Council of India
21, Rouse Avenue Institutional Area,
Near Bal Bhawan,
New Delhi – 110 002. —— Respondents

AFFIDAVIT FILED BY THE PETITIONER
I, C. Selvakumar, S/o P.Chinnaiah, aged about 48years, residing at North Street, Managiri, Madurai – 625020, practising Advocate enrolled under Enrollment No. 1085/2022 on the rolls of the 1st responden do hereby solemnly affirm and sincerely state as follows;
1.I am the petitioner herein and as such am well acquainted with the facts and circumstances of the case. I am competent to swear to this affidavit
2. I respectfully state that I am practicing as an Advocate before this Hon’ble Madras High court and Madurai Bench, I am also a member of the Madurai Bench High Court Advocates Association.
3. I respectfully state that during the course of certain internal disputes in the said Association, it came to light that though the Association is registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975, it has failed to comply with the statutory requirements under Sections 16, 34, and 35 of the said Act for several consecutive years, including the non-filing of annual returns, audited statements, and resolutions with the District Registrar of Societies.
4. I respectfully state that ,Such prolonged and deliberate non-compliance renders the functioning of the Association contrary to law. Despite this, the Association continues to be recognized by the 1st respondent, which is inconsistent with statutory obligations and the principle of rule of law.
5.I further submit that it is reliably learnt that several Bar Associations across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are functioning without proper compliance under the Societies Registration Act and some are even organized along caste-based or sectarian lines, which is wholly inconsistent with the Advocates Act, 1961, the Bar Council of India Rules, and Article 14 of the Constitution of India.
6. I respectfully state that, On 14.10.2025, I submitted a detailed written representation to both the respondents, requesting them to conduct an inquiry into the registration status, statutory compliance, and lawful functioning of all recognized Bar Associations and to ensure that the electoral roll of the Bar Council is prepared only after such verification. However, no action has been taken till date, nor has any acknowledgment been received from either authority.
7. I respectfully state that, In the absence of such verification, any preparation or publication of the electoral roll would result in participation by associations whose legal existence itself is questionable, thereby affecting the transparency and fairness of the Bar Council elections and undermining the integrity of the legal profession.
Hence, I have filed the present Writ Petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeking appropriate directions to the respondents to conduct an inquiry into the statutory compliance of all recognized Bar Associations and to prepare the electoral roll only after due verification.
I respectfully submit that this petition is filed bona fide and in the larger public and professional interest to uphold the rule of law, equality, and transparency within the legal fraternity.
Grounds
A. Because under Section 6(1)(d) of the Advocates Act, 1961, the Bar Council of a State is bound to “safeguard the rights, privileges and interests of advocates” and to maintain proper standards of professional conduct.
Recognizing non-compliant or illegal associations violates this statutory duty.
B. Because under Section 16, 34, and 35 of the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975, every registered society must file its annual returns, audited statements, and resolutions with the Registrar. Failure to do so results in suspension or cancellation of registration, making its continued functioning illegal.
C. Because the recognition of non-compliant associations is arbitrary and violative of Article 14 (Equality before law) and Article 19(1)(c) (Right to form associations subject to law) of the Constitution of India.
D. Because elections conducted with the participation of such irregular associations would be contrary to the principles of transparency and fairness mandated in democratic institutions and professional bodies.
E. Because the Hon’ble Supreme Court has repeatedly held that statutory authorities must act within the four corners of law and ensure compliance before granting recognition or privileges.
Legal Precedents (Citations)
1. Bar Council of Delhi v. Surjeet Singh, (1980) 4 SCC 211 – The Bar Council is a statutory body bound to act in accordance with the law and cannot overlook irregularities among advocates or associations.
2. All India Judges’ Association v. Union of India, (2002) 4 SCC 247 – Professional bodies connected with the justice delivery system must maintain standards of discipline and compliance.

3. A.P. State Financial Corporation v. GAR Re-Rolling Mills, (1994) 2 SCC 647 – A statutory authority cannot act contrary to the statute that creates it.
4. State of Tamil Nadu v. K. Shyam Sunder, (2011) 8 SCC 737 – When law prescribes a procedure, it must be followed strictly.
5. Subramanian Swamy v. CBI, (2014) 8 SCC 682 – Rule of law is a basic feature of the Constitution; even authorities must obey statutory mandates.
In view of the above facts and circumstances,
I therefore most humbly prayed that this Hon’ble Court may be pleased to pass an INTERIM INJUNCTION restraining the 1st respondent herein from the publication of the electoral roll until completion of verification of the registration and compliance status of all recognized Bar Associations, Pending disposal of this writ petition and thus render justice.
I therefore most humbly prayed that this Hon’ble Court may be pleased to Issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the 1st respondent, the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, to conduct an immediate inquiry into the registration status, statutory compliance, and lawful functioning of all Bar Associations recognized by it and Direct the 1st respondent to withhold preparation or publication of the electoral roll for Bar Council elections until such verification is completed and further Direct the 2nd respondent, the Bar Council of India, to issue appropriate supervisory directions to ensure uniform enforcement of statutory compliance across all State Bar Councils; based on my representation made to the respondents herein on 14.10.2025 Pass such further or other orders as this Hon’ble Court may deem fit and proper in the circumstances of the case and thus render justice.

Solemnly affirmed at Madurai Before me
on this 27th day of October, 2025
and signed before me. Advocate, MADURAI

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
(Madurai Bench)
W.P.(MD) No. of 2025

C.Selvakumar .. Petitioner
Vs
The Secretary,
Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry,
and another .. Respondent

SYNOPSIS

The petitioner, an Advocate practicing before the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court and a member of the Madurai Bench High Court Advocates Association, has filed this Writ Petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking directions to ensure statutory compliance of all Bar Associations before preparation of the electoral roll for the Bar Council elections. The petitioner states that his Association, though registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975, has failed to comply with the mandatory provisions of Sections 16, 34, and 35, relating to filing of annual returns, audited statements, and resolutions for several years. Despite such prolonged non-compliance, the Association continues to be recognized by the 1st respondent. It is further submitted that several other Bar Associations in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are functioning without proper statutory compliance and some even on caste or sectarian basis, which is contrary to the Advocates Act, 1961, the Bar Council of India Rules, and Article 14 of the Constitution of India. The petitioner made a detailed written representation dated 14.10.2025 to both respondents requesting them to inquire into the registration status, statutory compliance, and lawful functioning of all recognized Bar Associations and to ensure that the Bar Council electoral roll is prepared only after such verification. However, no action or acknowledgment has been received from either authority till date and hence filed this writ petition.
DATES & EVENTS
DATE EVENTS

19.8.25 letter issued by district registrar office,
Madurai North.

14.10.25 petitioner’s representation with
Acknowledgment card

Dated at Madurai this the 27th day of October, 2025.

Petitioner-in-Person

MEMORANDUM OF WRIT PETITION
(Under Article 226 of Constitution of India)
BEFORE THE HON’BLE MADURAI BENCH OF
MADRAS HIGH COURT
(Special Original Jurisdiction)
W.P.(MD) No. of 2025

ADVOCATE. C. SELVAKUMAR
Enrollment no: 1085/2022
North Street, Managiri,
Madurai – 625020. —– Petitioner
Vs
1. The Secretary,
Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry,
High Court Campus,
Chennai – 600104.
2. The Hon’ble Chairman,
Bar Council of India
21, Rouse Avenue Institutional Area,
Near Bal Bhawan,
New Delhi – 110 002.
—— Respondents
WRIT PETITION

The address for service of all notices and processes on the petitioner is that of his office at No.5A, Arul Prasad Nivas, Arul Malar Convent Road, K.K.Nagar, Madurai -625 020.
The address for service of all notices and processes on the respondents are the same as stated above.
For the reasons stated in the accompanying affidavit, it is therefore prayed that this Honourable Court may be pleased to issue a writ or order or direction in the nature of WRIT OF MANDAMUS directing the 1st respondent, to conduct an immediate inquiry into the registration status, statutory compliance, and lawful functioning of all Bar Associations recognized by it and Direct the 1st respondent to withhold preparation or publication of the electoral roll for Bar Council elections until such verification is completed and further Direct the 2nd respondent, the Bar Council of India, to issue appropriate supervisory directions to ensure uniform enforcement of statutory compliance across all State Bar Councils; based on the petitioner’s representation made to the respondents on14.10.2025 Pass such further or other orders as this Hon’ble Court may deem fit and proper in the circumstances of the case and thus render justice.

Dated at Madurai this the 27th day of October, 2025.

Petitioner-in-Person
 
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
MADURAI BENCH
(Special Original Jurisdiction)
W.P.(MD) No. of 2025

C.Selvakumar …Petitioner

-Vs-
The Secretary,
Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
and 1 another …Respondents
INDEX
S.No Date Particular Page No.
1 27.10.25 Synopsis, Dates & Events
2 27.10.25 Coding Sheet
3 27.10.25 Court fee
4 27.10.25 Writ Petition
5 27.10.25 Interim Injunction
6 27.10.25 Affidavit
TYPED SET
7 Copy of the petitioner’s Aadhaar ID, PAN card and Advocate ID card
8 19.8.25 Copy of the letter issued by district registrar office, Madurai North.
9 14.10.25 Copy of the petitioner’s representation with Acknowledgment card
10 27.10.25 Batta
It is certified that the above documents are true copies of the original.
Dated at Madurai this the 27th day of October, 2025.
Petitioner-in-Person
MEMORANDUM OF WRIT MISCELLANEOUS PETITION
(Under Article 226 of Constitution of India)
BEFORE THE HON’BLE MADURAI BENCH OF
MADRAS HIGH COURT
(Special Original Jurisdiction)
W.M.P.(MD) No. of 2025
IN
W.P.(MD) No. of 2025

ADVOCATE. C. SELVAKUMAR
Enrollment no: 1085/2022
North Street, Managiri,
Madurai – 625020. —– Petitioner/Petitioner
Vs
1. The Secretary,
Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry,
High Court Campus,
Chennai – 600104.

2. The Hon’ble Chairman,
Bar Council of India
21, Rouse Avenue Institutional Area,
Near Bal Bhawan,
New Delhi – 110 002.
—— Respondents / Respondents

INTERIM INJUNCTION PETITION

For the reasons stated in the accompanying affidavit, it is therefore prayed that this Honourable Court may be pleased to pass an INTERIM INJUNCTION restraining the 1st respondent herein from the publication of the electoral roll until completion of verification of the registration and compliance status of all recognized Bar Associations, Pending disposal of this writ petition and thus render justice.

Dated at Madurai this the 27th day of October, 2025.

Petitioner-in-Person

BEFORE THE HON’BLE MADURAI BENCH OF
MADRAS HIGH COURT
(Special Original Jurisdiction)
W.P.(MD) No. of 2025

ADVOCATE. C. SELVAKUMAR
— Petitioner

Vs

The Secretary,
Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and 1 another

— Respondents

**********************************
TYPED SET OF PAPERS
**********************************

C.Selvakumar
Party-in-Person

9750122669

BEFORE THE HON’BLE MADURAI BENCH OF
MADRAS HIGH COURT
(Special Original Jurisdiction)
W.P.(MD) No. of 2025

ADVOCATE. C. SELVAKUMAR
— Petitioner

Vs

The Secretary,
Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and 1 another
— Respondents

**********************************
AFFIDAVIT & WRIT PETITION
INTERIM INJUNCTION
**********************************

C.Selvakumar
Party-in-Person

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
MADURAI BENCH
(Special Original Jurisdiction)

W.P.(MD) No. of 2025
Batta- Rs. 60/-
Address of the Respondents
1. The Secretary,
Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry,
High Court Campus,
Chennai – 600104.

2. The Hon’ble Chairman,
Bar Council of India
21, Rouse Avenue Institutional Area,
Near Bal Bhawan,
New Delhi – 110 002.

Counsel for Petitioner